Chelsea could be prepared to compromise on their sale of Mason Mount if it helps them land midfield target Moises Caicedo.
England star Mount is approaching the final year of his contract, and has attracted interest from Manchester United. There is still some distance between the two clubs' valuation of the 24-year-old, with United yet to meet the Blues' £65m asking price.
With Chelsea bringing in fees for the likes of Kai Havertz and Edouard Mendy, a move for Caicedo also remains on the table. More money through the sale of Mount could help in that regard, especially if it means United - who have also re-entered the race for Caicedo - give them a free run at the Brighton talent.
According to The Guardian, Chelsea are prepared to bring the Mount saga to a close with 'little to gain' from the Englishman returning to first team training under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues' higher-ups are said to be willing to compromise after United fell short of the £58m plus £7m in add-ons valuation.
Erik ten Hag's side are understood to have bid an initial £50m plus £5m in add-ons. Mount has spent his entire career with Chelsea, save for time out on loan at Vitesse and Derby.
Chelsea target Caicedo is valued at £80m, with Sky Sports suggesting United could also launch a bid for the 21-year-old. Any Chelsea move for the Ecuadorian could impact - or be impacted by - Brighton's hope of completing a permanent deal for Blues defender Levi Colwill following a successful loan.
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Caicedo was a target for Arsenal in January, only to instead sign a new contract with Brighton when no transfer could be agreed. The Gunners have since turned their attentions elsewhere, with Declan Rice close to joining from West Ham for a British record £105m fee.
"This is a fantastic news for the club, our fans, for me and most importantly for Moises," Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi said after the renewal was concerned. "It will make us stronger as we move forward towards our targets on the pitch."
With Caicedo finishing the season at the Amex Stadium, De Zerbi's side clinched a sixth-place finish and qualification for the Europa League. They have already lost Alexis Mac Allister this summer, though, and could now be forced to replace a second midfielder.
One deal which did go through on Wednesday was Havertz's move from Chelsea to Arsenal. The German international joined the Gunners in a deal worth around £65m, keeping the number 29 shirt he wore at Stamford Bridge.
“The aim is to win trophies and I’m going to give everything to do that for the supporters and everyone at the club," the former Bayer Leverkusen star said. "I'm now looking forward to meeting all the players and the staff when we come back for pre-season.”
