“My dream” – Re-emerging comments suggest Man United could have upper hand in transfer chase for £80 million star

Manchester United are ready to battle against Chelsea for the signature of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo this summer.

Caicedo, 21, was key for The Seagulls in their impressive Premier League campaign last term which saw them finish sixth and secure Europa League football next season.

The Ecuadorian started 34 league fixtures for the south coast side and now looks set for a big-money move after Brighton rejected a mid-season pursuit for the central midfielder from Arsenal in January.

Chelsea are currently leading the race, however, after The Blues rejected United’s third bid for Mason Mount, worth £55 million, Erik ten Hag’s side have decided to pursue other options including Caicedo.

It has been reported by Ben Jacobs that Brighton could agree to a deal worth £80 million for their star player.

Whilst Fabrizio Romano has stated that Caicedo currently wants a move to Chelsea, previous comments that have re-emerged suggest that if United are to enter serious negotiations, the 21-year-old could be swayed.

Speaking in the summer of 2020 before his move to the Premier League, as reported by The Athletic, Caicedo said: “My dream is to play for Manchester United. Antonio Valencia is an example to follow. With his strength and dedication, he was able to get to that level. That motivates me to keep working hard and do the right things.”

Valencia, 37, played at Old Trafford for 10 years and is the only Ecuadorian to represent Manchester United in their long history.

Although, it remains to be seen whether United’s emerging interest in Caicedo is an effort to force Chelsea to accept a lower offer for Mount, who is known to be Ten Hag’s first choice option.

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The two players are different in profile, Caicedo excels in slightly deeper areas and would benefit United’s build-up play and progression, whilst Mount would likely make his impacts in the final third and with excellent out-of-possession pressing.