We have not had an acceptable offer from Chelsea – Club chief claims

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Chelsea have not submitted an acceptable offer for Moises Caicedo, Brighton techical director David Weir.

Chelsea have had three bids for Caicedo rejected by Brighton, the last offer was an £80million bid. Brighton are holding on firm on their £100million valuation of Caicedo.

On Monday, it was reported that the 21-year-old missed training in an attempt to force his club into selling him ahead of their Premier League opening game against Luton Town on Saturday.

But Weir is adamant that the Ecuador international will not be going anywhere unless Chelsea pay their asking price, telling Sky Sports: “We’ve not had an acceptable offer for Moises, so it’s really clear for us.

“Moises is our player, he’s under contract. He’s been fantastic for us in terms of what he’s done on the pitch, he’s been a big part of our success and that remains the case. There really is nothing to report on that.

“There has been a lot of information in the media, there has been a lot of talk but from our perspective we would really love Moises to be here longer. But we’re also realistic of what the market place looks like, but until something happens…

“It’s worked for us as a club and that will remain the case. I think everyone’s clear on that and we’re relaxed about that.”

But asked if Caicedo was in the right frame of mind to play against Luton amid the transfer saga, Weir added: “We know it’s not easy for the player. The players have this challenge because everyone sees the media, everyone is on social media and that is difficult.

“Moises had this situation in January as well and we like to think we helped him with that. Roberto [De Zerbi, Brighton manager] was important in that, the way he brought Moises back into the group.

“He got him back on the pitch and he showed his quality and that’s always the best solution – do your talking on the pitch and respond in that way and I think Moises did that and deserves credit for this.

“There will be different challenges now but the message from us is to just try and focus on the football and trust us to take care of that and we’ll see how it develops.”