Manchester Unuited have turned to Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo after their talks for Mason Mount hit an impasse.
United have grown frustrated with Chelsea’s stance on Mount after seeing their £55million offer rejected on Friday. Chelsea countered by asking for £58m plus £7m in add-ons and offering to hold a conciliatory meeting.
The £65m price tag is a figure United believe too high for Mount, who has one year left on contract. They consider £55m for the England international to be more than a fair offer so will leave it on the table and explore a deal for Caicedo.
The Ecuador international is a different style of player and would cost considerably more than 24-year-old Mount with Brighton looking for £80m plus.
Chelsea had a £60m bid for Caicedo rejected early this month and have been considered favourites to finally land the 21-year-old when talks resume this week.
Manchester United are walking away from their pursuit of Mason Mount after negotiations stalled
United’s second offer of £50million plus £5million in add-ons was rejected on Friday
United will instead try to sign Moises Caicedo who is valued at £80million by Brighton
However, United have moved to stake their claim and could offer players in return as part of negotiations.
Roberto de Zerbi told Caicedo he would allow him to leave if an important club made an offer when Brighton turned down bids last January and tied him to a new contract.
United are unlikely to sign both Mount and Caicedo, though a deal for one midfielder will certainly be done this transfer window.
Erik ten Hag’s side are keen to sign the midfielder and the offer remains on the table if Chelsea lower their demands
As it stands there is little hope of Mount signing a new contract at Chelsea, despite the fact that Mauricio Pochettino – who officially starts work as new Chelsea boss next week – wants Mount to stay and play a major role in his team next season.
But with Chelsea’s primary goal this summer to offload players following last season’s £600million spending spree, Blues officials were understood to be coming round to the idea that finding a middle ground with United this summer is the best solution for all parties.
That’s come too late, however, and they will now face a battle from United to sign Caicedo.
Arsenal are also monitoring his situation but would prefer to sign Declan Rice despite interest from Manchester City.
