Moises Caicedo is reportedly not for sale, despite interest from Chelsea, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has claimed.

What's the word?

Chelsea are ready to continue their winter spending, having already brought Benoit Badiashile, Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk to the club in this window, and are targeting a central midfielder.

After a failed approach for Benfica's Enzo Fernandez, the club are reportedly interested in reuniting Caicedo with his former Brighton boss, Graham Potter.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Sheth stated that in spite of Chelsea's interest, Brighton are adamant that the player is not for sale.

He said: "Chelsea are one of three clubs who have not given up on signing Brighton midfielder Moises Caiced0 this month.

"We're told he's not for sale."

A necessary deal

Given the injury problems suffered by N'Golo Kante, as well as Jorginho's contract situation not looking promising, Chelsea urgently needed reinforcements in the middle of the park.

Caicedo would arrive as a player with Premier League experience, as well as a potential long-term solution in midfield.

The 21-year-old was praised by Jamie Redknapp in recent months and has been in fine form for his club this season:

"He has been magnificent, he possesses all the attributes to play in every area, brilliant tackler," Redknapp claimed.

"His timing has to be spot on, if you don’t you get booked and are on a knife edge but he makes tackling look so easy. He’s progressive with his passing, a revelation and I’m sure a lot of clubs will be looking at him right now."

Although a deal now looks unlikely, Chelsea may still want to return for the midfielder in the summer, and may be more likely to convince Roberto De Zerbi to part ways with one of his key stars once the current window has subsided.