Man Utd get free run at Caicedo as Ten Hag hopes for last laugh over Chelsea

Chelsea have reportedly informed Brighton that they will not pay their £80million valuation for Moises Caicedo in a major boost to Manchester United’s chances of signing the midfielder. The Red Devils had supposedly switched focus to a pursuit of the Seagulls star after abandoning their plans to sign Mason Mount. 

Chelsea are claimed to have priced United out of a move for Mount, despite the England playmaker having only a year remaining on his contract. United’s latest £55m proposal was turned down by the West Londoners, with the Red Devils walking away from talks and leaving the bid on the table. 

Erik ten Hag may have the last laugh over Chelsea, though, with it claimed that the Blues are unwilling to meet the price tag of their own target. Brighton supposedly want £80m for Ecuador sensation Caicedo, whose performances in the Premier League last term caught the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs. 

The 21-year-old has been linked with blockbuster Premier League switches to Chelsea, United and Arsenal. However, the Old Trafford outfit may now have a free run at a deal with the Seagulls. 

According to The Times, Chelsea have told Brighton that they will not match the £80m valuation. It leaves United as the only club still with a chance of signing the dynamic star. Arsenal are seemingly focusing on a £100m move for West Ham captain Declan Rice. 

United moved their focus to a deal for Caicedo after talks with Chelsea over Mount collapsed. A third bid for the 24-year-old was made by United on Saturday, but the proposal was swiftly turned down by the Blues.

Chelsea are reportedly holding out for £65m for the academy graduate, but risk losing him for free next summer if he does not sign a new contract. United insist their offer remains on the table but they will only recommence negotiations if Chelsea reduce their asking price. 

Meanwhile, the Blues appear set to sign striker Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal. The same report adds that the Stamford Bridge hierarchy are negotiating the final terms of a £30m move for the 22-year-old, who plays his international football for Senegal. 

Jackson will become the second addition to what could be a new-look Chelsea team under Mauricio Pochettino next season. The £52m arrival of French attacker Christopher Nkunku was confirmed last week. 

Pochettino’s immediate focus will be on trimming his squad over the coming weeks, although he is unable to officially start work until July 1. Kalidou Koulibaly has joined Al-Hilal, while Edouard Mendy is also set for a move to Saudi Arabia. 

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