Manchester United are “understood” to be weighing up a move for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo if they fail to secure the services of Mason Mount, according to The Guardian.

The Ecuadorian international is known to be a key target for Chelsea, while Arsenal and Liverpool have also been linked with the player.

Caicedo is expected to cost at least £80m, with some reports even suggesting that Brighton may hold out for a fee in excess of £100m, so Erik ten Hag’s side would need to find extra funds if they do make a concerted effort to sign him.

United would also be playing catch up, with it being claimed that Chelsea have already made headway in terms of negotiating personal terms with Caicedo.

However, a lot will depend on which club is prepared to meet Brighton’s demands, with the Seagulls known to be very tough negotiators.

Caicedo is a very different player to Mount

The Guardian report that Caicedo is United’s backup option for Mason Mount and that is somewhat surprising considering there aren’t many similarities between them.

While Mount is comfortable playing in advanced positions, having been deployed as part of a front three on many occasions, Caicedo has been mostly used as a holding midfielder.

Since the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi at the Amex, though, the 21-year-old has started games further up the pitch, so there is an argument that he would be comfortable in the no.8 role that Christian Eriksen currently fills alongside Casemiro.

United’s transfer budget could take a hit

While Mount may cost only £55m to £60m, a deal for Caicedo would take a much larger sum and that could have consequences for the club’s other transfer dealings.

Signing a new striker is still said to be a priority for manager Erik ten Hag, while it seems likely that they will need a new number one goalkeeper as well.