Chelsea set to hand Moises Caicedo a NINE-YEAR contract as they close in on Brighton star

Chelsea are reportedly set to hand Moises Caicedo a whopping NINE-YEAR contract as they close in on the signing of the Brighton star.

That's according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who claims the agreement between Caicedo and Chelsea is for a contract valid until June 2031.

The deal will also include an option to extend until 2032, making it a NINE-YEAR stay at Stamford Bridge.

Owner Todd Boehly is no stranger to tabling lengthy deals, having handed both Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez an eight-and-a-half-year contract.

After the Ecuadorian turned down a move to Liverpool, the Blues are on the brink of sealing the signing of the midfielder in a British-record transfer worth a staggering £115 million.

Caicedo wasn't included in Brighton's matchday squad for their 4-1 victory over Luton Town on Saturday.

He's set to leave the Seagulls ahead of the transfer deadline, with Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino addressing the incredible saga involving the 21-year-old during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

"I never talk about players that don't belong to us. I am respectful," he said. "We are working really hard to try and add more players to the squad, we want to add quality."

Caicedo enjoyed a breakout campaign last season as he played 37 league games for Brighton.

He won the club's Player of the Season and Player's Player of the Season awards following his impressive showings.

As it happens, Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool on Sunday.