Erik ten Hag has given Chelsea the green light to sign Brighton star Moises Caicedo with a statement on Manchester United's transfer business. United have been linked with a move for the Ecuador international but the Blues are thought to be leading the race for Caicedo's signature.
Arsenal were interested in Caicedo back in January, but have since cooled their interest in the 21-year-old this summer. Caicedo remains the priority for the Blues this summer, football.london understands.
The Brighton midfielder has recently confirmed that he is open to joining Chelsea in the summer transfer window. The Blues are currently in talks with Brighton as they look to sign the Ecuadorian midfielder in a deal that could cost in the region of £80million as Mauricio Pochettino looks to strengthen his midfield options.
"It’s a big team, that’s true," Caicedo said. "A very historic team and I can’t say no because it’s a very big, historic, beautiful team. The city as well is beautiful," he told TCTELEVISION.
Speaking to MUTV ahead of United's first pre-season friendly, Ten Hag admitted he wants to improve the squad but hinted that he may look to the club's academy, rather than incoming signings. "We have to improve the squad and you can do it with transfers, but also with players from across the academy," the Dutchman said.
"United is famous for bringing young kids to play in the first-team. I hope for a minimum of one player who can come in."
READ NEXT: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Deal agreed, Caicedo boost, Cherki offer, Pulisic exit confirmed
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has given Chelsea reason to be excited with regards to a deal which he says is 'only a matter of time' before it is completed. "Chelsea will keep trying for Caicedo because he is their number one target and he wants to move to Chelsea," Di Marzio told wettfreunde.net.
"His agents have already got Nicolas Jackson to Chelsea and Roberto De Zerbi has decided that Caicedo will not be part of his team anymore. It’s only a matter of time and price.
"Brighton are a tough team to negotiate with. Once they decide the price of a player they keep going and stick to that. They know that Chelsea will pay when they want a player.
"It’s only a question of time with Chelsea even though Bayern also had interest in Caicedo. The money that Brighton wants is too high even for a club like Bayern."
Which of the following prospects would you like to see in the first team, or loaned out for experience? Swipe to have your say...
