Mizgan Masani
Manchester United hold talks with Moises Caicedo as Chelsea tell Brighton not to meet their demands for the midfielder
As per the Times (subscription required) (h/t Metro), Chelsea have told Brighton that they won’t accept the Seagulls’ transfer fee demand for Moises Caicedo as Manchester United also hold talks for his services.
After getting frustrated in pursuit of Mason Mount, United are starting to look at alternatives in the market. They are now in the race for Caicedo and have held talks with the Ecuadorian’s representatives.
Brighton are demanding £80m for Caicedo, which is deemed too much by Chelsea. But, the Red Devils acknowledge that the 21-year-old will cost this much in the current market.
It remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag is desperate to add a central midfielder like him or press ahead with the Mount deal.
Caicedo and Mount are different positionally and attributes-wise. The former is a box-to-box central midfielder who can play as a number six or a right-back. The latter is a playmaker who can operate as a box-to-box central midfielder with an eye for a goal.
If, somehow, United manage to land both, that would be some upgrade to what they have in the midfield department.
Since that does not likely right now, especially after a frustrating pursuit of Mount, the focus must shift towards getting Caicedo before Chelsea change their mind.
A central midfield partnership of Casemiro and the Ecuador international would have the ingredients to dominate most teams in the league and Europe.
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So, while £80m sounds expensive to us, Caicedo is worth that price and some. At 21, he would not only offer great quality on and off the ball, but fantastic longevity as well. Let’s hope United do the business and get him this summer.
