Manchester United WANT to sign Moises Caicedo and place Brighton’s £80 million-valued star as their main midfield target after he became frustrated at Chelsea for rejecting a third £55 million bid for Mason Mount
- United had seen two bids rejected and do not want to meet the asking price
- The offer remains on the table if Chelsea were willing to lower the demands
- The Red Devils sign one midfielder, but it is unlikely that they will chase both players
Manchester Unuited have turned to Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo after their talks for Mason Mount fell through.
United have become frustrated with Chelsea’s attitude to Mount after their £55m offer was rejected on Friday. Chelsea responded by asking for £58 million plus £7 million in add-ons and offering to hold a conciliatory meeting.
The £65 million price tag is too high for Mount, who has a year left on his contract, according to United. They consider £55 million for the England international to be more than a fair offer, so they leave it on the table and look into a deal for Caicedo.
The Ecuador international is a different style of player and would cost significantly more than 24-year-old Mount, while Brighton are looking for £80m plus.
Chelsea had turned down a £60 million bid for Caicedo early this month and are regarded as favorites to finally bring in the 21-year-old when talks resume this week.
Manchester United drop their bid for Mason Mount after stalled talks
United’s second offer of £50 million plus £5 million in add-ons was rejected on Friday
United will try to sign Moises Caicedo instead, who is valued at £80million by Brighton
However, United have moved on to stake their claim and could offer players in return as part of the negotiations.
Roberto de Zerbi told Caicedo he would let him leave if a major club made an offer when Brighton rejected bids last January and tied him to a new contract.
United are unlikely to sign both Mount and Caicedo, although a deal for one midfielder is certain to close this transfer window.
Erik ten Hag’s side are keen to sign Mount and the offer remains on the table if Chelsea lower their demands
As it stands, there is little hope of Mount signing a new contract with Chelsea, despite the fact that Mauricio Pochettino – who officially takes over as new Chelsea boss next week – wants Mount to stay and play a major role next season plays on his team.
But with Chelsea’s primary target this summer of firing players after last season’s £600m spend, Blues officials were believed to have come to believe that finding a middle ground with United this summer is the best solution for all parties.
However, that has come too late and they now face a battle from United to sign Caicedo.
Arsenal are also monitoring his situation, but would prefer to sign Declan Rice despite interest from Manchester City.