Manchester United are reportedly set to make a formal approach for Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo this week, with the Red Devils recently making initial contact with the player.
The midfielder was a key cog in the Seagulls side that finished sixth in the Premier League under Roberto De Zerbi last season, securing European football for the first time in the club's history.
Having featured in all but one of Brighton's league matches - and starting 34 - Caicedo has attracted interest from some of the division's big outfits.
Erik ten Hag's side are one of the clubs keen on the Ecuadorian according to Sky Sports News, with Manchester United ready to make a formal approach for the midfielder in the coming days.
© Reuters
It is understood that the Red Devils have already made contact with the player over a potential move to Old Trafford, and it is believed that United are set to progress in their pursuit of the 21-year-old.
With an agreement for the signing of Chelsea's Mason Mount hitting many obstacles over the past few weeks, Ten Hag's men are said to be chasing down other midfield targets to ensure their engine room sees an influx of talent before the window shuts.
The Blues reportedly turned down a £50m bid plus £5m in add-ons from United for the England international, with the West Londoners yet to lower their asking price which is understood to be at £65m.
Mount - who has a year left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge - is set to be the topic of crucial discussions between the Red Devils and Chelsea this week, as both sides hope to complete the transfer.
© Reuters
Caicedo is not likely to be a cheaper alternative to Mount considering Arsenal had a £70m bid for the player rejected in the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old's price could also be driven up by the interest of Mauricio Pochettino's Blues, however it is believed that United will not have to fight the Gunners for the midfielder, with Mikel Arteta making Declan Rice his priority signing this summer.
The North London club have reportedly submitted a £105m bid to West Ham United for their Europa Conference League-winning captain, while Manchester City are said to have pulled out of the race for the Englishman.
Caicedo joined Brighton from Ecuadorian outfit Independiente del Valle in January 2021, making one appearance for the Seagulls before being sent out on loan to Beerschot for the first part of the 2021-22 campaign.
After returning from Belgium, the midfielder won the trust of boss Graham Potter, becoming a regular fixture in the Seagulls' Premier League XIs alongside Pascal Gross and Alexis Mac Allister.
Carter White
