Brighton have rejected a second bid from Chelsea for star midfielder Moises Caicedo.
The Blues’ latest offer for the Ecuador international is believed to be around £70 million.
Caicedo asked to leave Albion in January amid interest from Arsenal but in March he signed a new contract until 2027.
The 21-year-old, who last season helped the Seagulls qualify for Europe for the first time and reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup, remains of interest to a number of Premier League rivals.
Caicedo joined Brighton from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle for a reported £4.5 million in February 2021 before being loaned to Belgian side Beerschot.
He made his top-flight debut in April last year and has played 53 times during his time at the Amex Stadium, scoring two goals.
Chelsea and Brighton are scheduled to meet on Saturday in Philadelphia in a six-team Premier League pre-season tournament.
The Blues’ new manager Mauricio Pochettino is in the process of overhauling his squad after the club’s worst season in almost 30 years.
Forwards Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have already arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer while Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic are among a host of departures.
