Could Liverpool be the mystery bidders for Moises Caicedo?

Brighton have received a bid in excess of £80m for midfielder Moises Caicedo.

The 21-year-old Ecuadorian has been heavily linked with Chelsea throughout this transfer window, with the Blues seeing several bids rejected by Brighton, who are holding out for around £100m.

The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Brighton have received a bid from an "as yet unidentified club" surpassing Chelsea's last offer of £80m.

The story led to mass speculation about the mystery bidder, with the Mirror positing that it could be a Saudi Pro League side, while others insist that the offer has come from the Premier League.

Where do Liverpool come in?

Football Insider claim that the Reds are, in fact, the mystery bidders, but add that it "remains to be seen" if Liverpool will meet the Seagulls asking price.

A move for Caicedo would likely represent a new transfer record for Liverpool.

Anfield Watch reported last month that Liverpool have maintained an interest in Caicedo as they continue their midfield rebuild, despite a growing expectation that he will eventually join Chelsea.

However, Football Insider's claim that the Reds are responsible for this latest offer has been dismissed by several other reports since the story broke.

Ben Jacobs wrote definitively that Liverpool have 'not bid' for Caicedo, ditto David Lynch, while Sky Sports have claimed that the offer has come from Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool remain in the market for at least one more midfielder this transfer window, with Romeo Lavia and Andre Trindade among the targets.

Melissa Reddy wrote that the Reds are looking for two profiles in the market – "a controller and a progressive destroyer" – though it is not guaranteed that both will arrive in this transfer window.

Liverpool have seen two bids rejected by Southampton for Lavia already, with the latest reportedly totalling £41m, including add-ons.

Meanwhile, it is understood that Andre would cost anywhere between €25-40m (£21-34m), though his club Fluminense are reluctant to sell during the Brazilian season.

Logic suggests it is highly unlikely that Liverpool would break their transfer record and bid upwards of £80m for Caicedo – as good as he may be – when their other midfield targets are so much cheaper.

In addition to recruiting up to two more midfielders, the Reds are understood to be looking at left-sided centre back options.