One player set to be in demand as the summer transfer window approaches is Brighton star Moises Caicedo. The Ecuador international was impressive for the Seagulls last season as they finished sixth in the Premier League table. But Manchester United, while previously eyeing a deal for the midfielder, now have different priorities instead…
Caicedo was a target for United during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time as manager, only for the bulldozer to end up joining Brighton in 2021 instead.
Fast-forward to now, and it appears the 20-year-old is certainly one that got away from the Red Devils.
Caicedo has established himself as one of the best in his position in the Premier League in recent years, attracting interest from Arsenal and Chelsea as a result.
But United aren’t currently in the mix to sign the Brighton star, despite the youngster’s obvious talent and vast potential.
And that’s because Ten Hag is prioritising a midfielder cable of creating and defending in equal measure – with Mason Mount his No 1 target.
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The Chelsea star has been on the Dutchman’s radar ever since playing for Vitesse Arnhem against Ajax back in March 2018.
Ten Hag tried to sign Mount from Chelsea the following year, only to end up missing out with the Blues choosing to keep hold of their academy graduate.
Fast-forward to now, and the 53-year-old is keen again.
Ten Hag likes the way Mount presses, with the Chelsea star always willing to work hard for the sake of his team.
And he also feels the creativity of the Chelsea star can benefit his side as well, with the Red Devils likely to deploy the 24-year-old alongside Bruno Fernandes.
Casemiro would then act as a sitter, shielding the defence and giving his team-mates license to focus on the attacking side of their game.
Caicedo, while capable of being a box-to-box player, is simply too similar to United’s No 18.
Another factor could be price, too.
Caicedo will cost potential suitors around £70million, with Brighton reluctant to lose another big name with Alexis Mac Allister closing in on a move to Liverpool.
United are hoping to agree a deal for Mount in the region of £50m, however.
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The England international has just a year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea facing the prospect of selling him now or losing him for nothing.
That’s in stark contrast to Caicedo, who signed a new deal with Brighton that runs until 2027 back in March.
United also have other areas of their squad they’re looking to improve on, too.
A new goalkeeper is under consideration, despite David De Gea being expected to agree to a pay cut over at Old Trafford.
The arrival of another right-back hasn’t been discounted, though much may depend on whether Aaron Wan-Bissaka stays or goes.
United are being tipped to pursue a new left winger, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Kingsley Coman talked up as targets.
But their No 1 priority is a fresh striker, with Anthony Martial expected to be shown the door.
Harry Kane, Rasmus Hojlund and Victor Osimhen, of Tottenham, Atalanta and Napoli respectively, are options for Ten Hag’s side.
As for Caicedo, all signs point to the 21-year-old leaving the Amex Stadium.
And whether he goes to Arsenal, Chelsea or somewhere else is something only time will tell.
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