Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has admitted that Liverpool target Moises Caicedo’s “head was turned” during the January transfer window.

The Ecuadorian was the subject of a £70m bid from Arsenal but the Seagulls refused to sell, and Barber says the player is now happy to remain on the south coast:

“Moises, to his absolute credit, has got his head down, worked hard and he is happy around the club again. He is a very good footballer. There was never a moment in the window when we felt we needed or wanted to sell Moises. He is only 20. He needed an arm around the shoulder and a bit of support. We know his head was turned, and we know why.”

Caicedo signed a new four and a half year deal earlier this month, but there have been reports suggesting that the contract extension won’t deter the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United from making bids this summer.

From Barber’s remarks, it appears Brighton will not let the 21-year-old leave without a fight, and it has been claimed that they may demand as much as £90m for the midfielder. That figure may price out the Reds.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are also said to be targeting Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, who will likely cost in excess of £100m, so there will not be funds available to sign both the teenager and Caicedo.