According to The Times, Manchester United are planning to abandon their pursuit of Mason Mount and shift their attention to Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo. The club is now focusing on alternative midfield targets, with Caicedo being their top choice.
This decision comes in the wake of Chelsea rejecting United’s third offer for Mount, which included £50 million upfront and £5 million in add-ons.
The Blues responded with a counterproposal of £58 million plus £7 million in bonuses. However, United are reportedly dissatisfied with the prolonged negotiations surrounding the deal.
Meanwhile, Caicedo has attracted significant interest following an impressive season with Brighton, and a lucrative move for the player is expected in the upcoming summer transfer window.
It is argued that Man United should not meet Chelsea’s unrealistic demands for their midfielder and instead focus on signing the Brighton star.
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While acquiring the 21-year-old may come at a higher cost compared to Mount, it is seen as a transfer move that makes both tactical and financial sense.
Chelsea are reportedly unwilling to negotiate from their inflated valuation of £65 million, who has only one year remaining on his contract.
In contrast, United may have to spend at least £80 million for Caicedo, who is highly regarded as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League. Despite the higher fee, the Ecuadorian is believed to offer more value to United than Mount.
Caicedo would provide a strong backup option for Casemiro in the defensive midfield position, a role that Mount cannot fulfil.
Additionally, he could partner with the Brazilian in the number eight position for important matches if manager Erik Ten Hag seeks greater midfield solidity.
Interestingly, while Chelsea is also targeting Caicedo, United should outmanoeuvre their rivals in this transfer battle.
