Brighton & Hove Albion have stepped up their search for a new midfielder after Moises Caicedo’s British-record move to Chelsea was announced on Monday.

The Seagulls could be set to use a small part of the $140 million fee picked up to bring in Lille’s 19-year-old midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Brighton in talks for Carlos Baleba

Brighton have reportedly opened talks with the French club, and have already put forward a $20 million bid for the teenager.

However, the Seagulls could yet face competition to get the deal over the line, as Liverpool and Newcastle are among the other Premier League sides tracking the midfielder.

Meanwhile, there is also interest from Italy, with AC Milan and Juventus both weighing up a move for the highly-talented 19-year-old.

Baleba has made 19 appearances for Lille since signing his first professional deal with the club in 2022. However, it is believed that the French side will be looking for a higher fee than the price put forward by the Seagulls.