Klopp confirms deal has been struck for Seagulls star Caicedo

Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo is set to join Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp confirmed a deal has been agreed for the Ecuador midfielder.

The news will be a bitter blow to Chelsea, who were keen to bolster their engine room with the 21-year-old.

Speaking ahead of his side's clash with the Blues on Sunday, Klopp revealed: "I got told I can confirm a deal with club is agreed. 

"We want the player, what we change is we are a club, we don't have endless resources. 

"We didn't expect a couple of things to happen this summer with Henderson and Fabinho, we gave it a go and the club was stretched but we will see in the end."

Caicedo was close to joining Chelsea in January but was prevented from leaving by Roberto De Zerbi, who did not want to lose one of his biggest assets in the middle of the season.

But the Italian reportedly had a gentleman's agreement with the lynchpin and approved a summer departure if the right offer arrived.

And now Liverpool look to have swooped in to snatch a huge transfer from under the noses of the West Londoners.

Mauricio Pochettino had been hoping to bring Caicedo to Stamford Bridge but owner Todd Boehly was unwilling to pay Brighton's asking price.

And in a quick series of events, Liverpool pounced to secure a deal at the last minute and make the rising star is on the verge of becoming a club-record signing.

Brighton's No25 featured in all but one of the Seagulls' 2022-23 Premier League matches, scoring one goal and grabbing one assist.

He was also instrumental in helping the South Coast side reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup, but they ultimately lost out to Manchester United at Wembley.

Caicedo ranked second for tackles and interceptions in the Premier League last term — and Reds fans will be hoping the youngster can fill the void left by the departed Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.