Chelsea have been boosted in their chances of winning the race for Moises Caicedo as the Brighton & Hove Albion star 'would jump at a move' to Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Blues have entered a new era after Graham Potter was appointed as the new head coach just 24 hours on from Thomas Tuchel's axing by the hierarchy last week.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What's the latest news involving Caicedo?

Caicedo made 16 appearances during Potter's time in charge of Brighton and it appears he is keen to seal a reunion with the tactician.

The 20-year-old told Olé, via the Evening Standard, that ‘nobody would turn down an offer’ from the west Londoners and ‘it’d be a dream to be in the best teams in the world and succeed there’.

Potter brought Caicedo to the Premier League for the first time in his career when a £4.5million deal was struck with Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle last year.

Just a matter of days before leaving Brighton, the new Chelsea chief revealed it would take a bid worth close to £100million to tempt the Seagulls into selling Caicedo and the south coast club are ready to discuss a new contract in an attempt to fend off suitors.

The central midfielder has entered the final three years of his current agreement at the Amex Stadium.

What has Simon Phillips said about Caicedo?

Phillips believes Caicedo's recent comments emphasise that he would be willing to seal a switch to Chelsea when the transfer window reopens.

The journalist feels the South American has put current employers Brighton on the back foot.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: "The player, himself, has said that he would love to play for Chelsea.

"When you're saying things like that, it's pretty clear that you would jump at the move if it came along.

"That suddenly puts his club in a lesser position than what they normally would be and so, if Chelsea go in for him in the summer or even in January, it will be very interesting to see how he responds."

Are Chelsea facing competition for Caicedo's signature?

Ecuadorian media outlet Tera Deportes, via the Express, have revealed Liverpool tested Brighton's resolve with a bid during the final hours of the summer transfer window, which closed earlier this month, but their proposal was pushed back.

Arsenal, Manchester United, West Ham United, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen have also been courting the midfielder.

As a result, it is clear it is not a foregone conclusion that the 23-cap Ecuador international will end up heading to Chelsea.