Man Utd want 23-cap star who dominated Fred and McTominay at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester United are looking to strengthen their midfield and Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo is ‘on the list’ of targets at Old Trafford, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The Red Devils have made a catastrophic start to the new season, having suffered back-to-back defeats, but boss Erik ten Hag could strengthen his squad ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.

What’s the latest news involving Caicedo?

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United are interested in bolstering their defensive midfield options by signing Caicedo.

The report suggests the Red Devils are long-term admirers of the 23-cap Ecuador international, but they could be frustrated in their efforts to strike a deal as Brighton have no intention of sanctioning his departure.

It is understood that Manchester United are facing competition for Caicedo’s signature as Premier League rivals Arsenal and West Ham United are also keeping tabs on his progress, along with Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.

But ten Hag could win the race as the 20-year-old is reportedly among the possibilities being pushed forward ahead of the fast-approaching transfer deadline.

However, Brighton are not necessarily under pressure to sell Caicedo as his Amex Stadium contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2025, so Manchester United will have to meet his current employers’ demands if they want to get their man.

What has Alex Crook said about Caicedo?

Crook understands that Manchester United have turned their attentions elsewhere after it has become increasingly unlikely that Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot will be heading to Old Trafford.

The talkSPORT reporter believes that Caicedo is being viewed as a potential option despite an awareness that Brighton are determined to hold onto the South American.

After it emerged“They are now looking at other targets.

“Caicedo, I think, is on their list and has been for a couple of years but Brighton have no intention of selling him.”

Would Caicedo be a good signing for Manchester United?

Manchester United currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League standings, having suffered consecutive defeats, and Caicedo has played a role in their disappointing start to the season.

He played the full 90 minutes as Brighton secured a 2-1 victory over the Red Devils on the opening day of the campaign, dominating Fred and Scott McTominay.

Although Caicedo has limited experience in the Premier League, thanks to only making 10 appearances in the competition, it is clear that he would give Manchester United’s backline extra protection.

That is because statistics show he was in the 91st and 86th percentiles for percentage of aerial battles won and tackles in the defensive third respectively among midfielders in the English top flight last season.

Caicedo has also been described as a mixture of Chelsea star N’Golo Kante and former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, which should not be underestimated.