Brighton are holding out for £100m for Moises Caicedo (Picture: Getty Images)
Moises Caicedo will not play for Brighton in their final pre-season friendly of the summer on Sunday, with the Chelsea target reportedly feeling tightness in his hamstring.
The Seagulls take on Spanish side Rayo Vallecano at 3pm on Sunday, their final friendly contest before the season gets underway next weekend.
TalkSPORT report that Caicedo is being rested as a precaution due to a tight hamstring, with the Brighton coaching staff keen to have him ready to take on Luton Town on Saturday in the Premier League.
Chelsea are continuing to pursue the 21-year-old after seeing bids turned down for the midfielder as Brighton hold out for their massive asking price.
The south coast club want £100m for the Ecuadorian, with Brighton claiming that they have turned down an £80m offer from an unnamed club for Caicedo, according to The Athletic.
Arsenal tried and failed to buy Caicedo in January, while Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked with him, but it is Chelsea who are leading the race for his signature.
However, they must come up with the cash, or an acceptable player-plus-cash deal as Brighton do not appear ready to budge on their valuation and will be very happy to keep hold of Caicedo.
While Chelsea are still interested in Caicedo, they are exploring other midfield options, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Leandro Paredes and Liverpool target Romeo Lavia.
Southampton have already turned down two bids from the Reds for Lavia as they hold out for £50m for the Belgium international.
MORE : Chelsea preparing move for one of PSG’s ‘undesirables’ as alternative to Moises Caicedo
MORE : Brighton ‘not expecting’ Moises Caicedo exit after rejecting three Chelsea bids
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Brighton take on Luton on Sunday.