Transfer Talk: Toon join Chelsea in Caicedo race

Newcastle have reportedly joined Chelsea in the race for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.

The 21-year-old is a long-term target of the Blues after shining as one of the Premier League’s best young talents in recent seasons.

Stamford Bridge chief Graham Potter oversaw the holding midfielder’s development while in charge of the Seagulls and he remains firmly on their radar, according to CBS Sports.

Caught Offside say the Magpies are the latest club to express an interest in the Ecuador international, who has made 16 appearances for the Seagulls this term as well as three at the Qatar World Cup.

With Chelsea focusing their efforts on landing Benfica starlet Enzo Fernandez, the Magpies could well be in the driving seat to land Caicedo’s signature.

The Mail are reporting that the Eagles have rejected the West Londoners' first offer for the Argentina World Cup winner, 21, as they demand his £106million release clause to paid in full rather than £112m across three instalments.

As Chelsea push for reinforcements in the centre of the park, it could well spell the end for N’Golo Kante’s time at Stamford Bridge.

The 31-year-old has six months remaining on his contract and has struggled with injuries this season, though there are still plenty of suitors keen to pick the two-time Premier League winner up.

Spanish outlet Sport say Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr — who have just signed Cristiano Ronaldo — are interested, though the former Leicester man’s preference is to join Barcelona.

In other news

Jack Butland, 29, will undergo a medical at Manchester United today ahead of a loan move until the end of the season, according to The Athletic.

The same outlet reports that Southampton have approached Villarreal over the loan signing of 21-year-old attacking midfielder Nicolas Jackson on loan with an option to buy in the summer.

Aston Villa have rejected a loan bid from Everton for striker Danny Ings, say the Mail. The 30-year-old came off the bench to score the equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Wolves last night.