Mauricio Pochettino refused to discuss Chelsea’s move to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, despite reports the club are preparing a new offer for the midfielder.
In a remarkable turn of events, Liverpool saw a £110m British record offer accepted for Caicedo and appeared set to win the race for the Ecuador international.
Chelsea had seen two bids turned down for the 21-year-old, but Caicedo’s reported preference for a move to Stamford Bridge has allowed the Blues back into the race.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Caicedo has turned down the chance to sign for Liverpool in favour of Chelsea, who are expected to return with an improved offer.
Chelsea face Liverpool in their Premier League season opener this weekend and ahead of the clash, Pochettino refused to discuss a deal for Caicedo.
“You know me very well, I never talk about a player that doesn’t belong to us,” the Argentine told his pre-match press conference.
“We are working very hard to add players of quality to the squad. At the moment, I don’t want to talk about players who don’t belong to us. We are working very hard, I am so happy with how we are doing things.”
On the area of his squad that needs improving before the transfer deadline, Pochettino said: “It’s obvious when you look at the squad and when you compare to last season too many midfielders have left the squad. We are trying hard but being respectful. It is so important to be very respectful, it is the way I love to work and the way we need to work.”
