Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo missed training earlier today ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool on Sunday.
The reports revealed that the Premier League club gave the midfielder some days off and told him to stay away from training until the January transfer window closes on Tuesday.
Caicedo was a subject of transfer speculation all through last summer, but he chose to remain with the Seagulls for the 2022–23 season.
However, several clubs are still in pursuit of the 21-year-old, including Premier League rivals jostling for his signature.
The Ecuador international had a £60 million bid from league leaders Arsenal and a £55 million verbal proposal bid from high-spenders Chelsea rejected by Brighton this January.
Albeit the big money offers, the Seagulls have made it clear to both the Gunners and the Blues that the player is definitely not up for sale, at least not this month.
Brighton have also made it known to Caicedo that they will not let him leave now, after selling versatile Belgian forward Leandro Trossard to Arsenal for £27 million this window.
On Friday, the combative midfielder took to his social media channels to express that he would like to take the opportunity presented to him while thanking the chairman of Brighton, Tony Bloom, for his belief in him.
The statement read: “I am grateful to Mr Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.
“I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador. My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.
“I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.
“The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”
Brighton will welcome a struggling Liverpool side to the Falmer Stadium for the second time in two weeks after handing them a 3-0 defeat in a Premier League match at the same venue.
