Manchester United may turn their attention to Moises Caicedo this summer and the midfielder could be in line for his pick of several squad numbers, should he agree to a move.
Erik ten Hag is desperate to add quality and depth in midfield early this summer, with Mason Mount identified early as his priority target. However frustration is growing after United saw three bids - the most recent worth up to £55million - rejected by Chelsea.
Caicedo is being considered as an alternative target. The 21-year-old would be more expensive than Mount and could cost around £80m, but there is an acceptance at United that his age and contract status make it a different deal.
Here's a look at some of the squad numbers that Caicedo might have to choose from at Old Trafford:
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No.4: Following Phil Jones' exit after 12 years at United, the No.4 shirt will be available for the first time since 2011. Having previously been donned by midfielder Owen Hargreaves, it could be an option for Caicedo. However Raphael Varane could also lay claim to it, upgrading from his current No.19.
No.7: It would be quite a statement for Caicedo to come in and take the famous No.7 shirt, but it is available following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure in November. MEN Sport revealed that United are considering handing the shirt to Alejandro Garnacho, which would in turn free up his No.49.
No.13: Having previously been worn by Park Ji-sung - one of few players who can match Caicedo's stamina - the shirt has often been taken by reserve goalkeepers, most recently Lee Grant.
No15: Marcel Sabitzer took the No.15 shirt when he arrived on loan from Bayern Munich in January. But focus on midfield signings suggests his move won't be made permanent, allowing any new arrivals to claim the shirt.
No.24: The closest option to Caicedo's current number - he wears No.25 for Brighton - is the former option of Darren Fletcher. The 24 jersey as been available since 2021 after Timothy Fosu-Mensah's departure.
No.31: Another with a recent reputation for being on the back of reserve goalkeepers, the No.31 was worn by both Martin Dubravka and Jack Butland. It has a history of central midfield, however, with Nemanja Matic, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Marouane Fellaini all previous wearers.
No.38: Free to claim with current owner Axel Tuanzebe set to be released when his contract expires at the end of the month.
As well as those already available, a number of options could open up with player sales. Ten Hag is reportedly preparing for a summer clear out as he looks to trim the fat of the squad and raise funds for incomings.
Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles, Brandon Williams and Anthony Martial have all been earmarked as potential outgoings, which would free up numbers 3, 5, 9, 27 and 33 respectively.
