Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has told Chelsea to stay away from £100million star Moises Caicedo, claiming that the midfielder will start next season for the Seagulls.
Mail Sport understands Mauricio Pochettino's side have been preparing a bid for the Brighton star and are expected to table an £80m offer after having lost interest in Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic.
It comes as Brighton and Chelsea are set to face-off against eachother on Saturday night in a pre-season friendly in Philadelphia.
The Blues have already had a £70m bid for the Ecuador international turned down this week, with Brighton keen to hang on to the 21-year-old prospect after he penned a new contract with the club in March.