We want to continue our time with Caicedo – Brighton CEO

The Chief Executive Officer of Brighton and Hove Albion Paul Barber says the club is keen to keep Moises Caicedo for another season despite strong interest in the youngster.

The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea after failing to secure a deal during the winter transfer window.

The Seagulls have turned down three bids already from the Blues that are said to be below their £100 million valuation of the 21-year-old.

And the club’s CEO has now admitted the desire of the club to continue their relationship with the Colombia international for the next years ahead.

“For a young player like Moises at 21, [he’s] probably one of the best midfield players in the world already his age [and] certainly one of the best in Europe,” he said to Football Daily.

“We have had a fantastic time working with Moises and we want that time to continue. We’ve got him under a long contract.

“But again we are also realistic to know there is interest in him and as a young man, that interest is inevitably going to have an impact on your thought process and unsettle you a little bit.

“For now he is a Brighton player, he’s under contract. We expect him to work hard and prepare for the new season and we will see what happens as the window goes on.”

Caicedo was recently absent from Brighton’s training ahead of the opening Premier League game against Luton Town as he has communicated his desire to leave the club for Stamford Bridge.