Manchester United have made contact with Moises Caicedo's representatives as Chelsea continue to pursue a deal for the Brighton midfielder. The Ecuador international looks set to leave Roberto De Zerbi's side in the summer transfer window despite signing a new long-term deal until 2027 in February.
football.london understands the Blues are pushing to sign Caicedo ahead of next season as Mauricio Pochettino aims to sign a new central midfielder. Arsenal had held an interest in signing the 21-year-old, but have since cooled their interest as they focus on signing Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.
According to CBS Sports, an initial fee of £80million - along with £10million in add-ons - for Caicedo 'appears possible'. The report also outlines that those close to Caicedo insist that their client shouldn't be sold for anything more than Aurelien Tchouameni's £86million move to Real Madrid last summer.
A report from The Times states that Chelsea have now told Brighton that they will not match Caicedo's £80million valuation. This appears to have given United the incentive to contact the Ecuadorian's representatives as they turn their attention to alternative targets - with talks to sign Mason Mount having stalled - as per The Athletic.
Erik ten Hag was prioritising a move for Mount with the England international expected to leave Stamford Bridge ahead of next season as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal. United tabled a £55million bid for the 24-year-old - which was rejected by Chelsea - and are unwilling to raise their offer to meet the Blues' £65million demand.
Chelsea's decision could now see a deal to sign Caicedo become tricky. The Ecuador international has previously admitted that it would be a 'dream' to play for United and that dream may come true this summer.
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“My dream is to play for Manchester United," Caicedo said in 2020. "Antonio Valencia is an example to follow.
"With his strength and dedication, he was able to get to that level. That motivates me to keep working hard and do the right things.”
Chelsea may need to act swiftly if they are to secure a deal for Caicedo this summer with United now firmly in the race for the 21-year-old. Pochettino has already missed out on signing Manuel Ugarte and he will not want to miss out on yet another midfield target.
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