Manchester United have “held talks” with the agents of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to The Athletic.

After struggling to agree a fee with Chelsea for Mason Mount, the Red Devils have decided to explore other options as manager Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen his midfield.

Although Caicedo will cost more than Mount, with Brighton demanding at least £80m, it is felt that the outlay on the Ecuadorian international would be justified as he has much longer left on his contract, while he is still only 21.

The Seagulls star does, however, prefer to play in deeper positions so he would likely line up alongside Casemiro in a midfield two for United.

That will of course raise further doubts about the futures of Fred and Scott McTominay whose game time would be reduced if Caicedo were to be signed.

United will have competition for Caicedo’s signature

Chelsea are expected to be the Red Devils’ main rival for the Ecuadorian, although they may only make a formal offer for the midfielder once they have raised enough funds through player sales.

Arsenal also have a longstanding interest in Caicedo, having had two bids rejected for the player during the January transfer window, but they are currently focused on signing West Ham’s Declan Rice. Liverpool, meanwhile, have been linked in recent months too.

Are alternative targets being considered?

It is believed that United have been in discussions with Juventus’s Adrien Rabiot, who will be available on a free transfer at the end of the month.

There have also been some surprise links to FC Utrecht midfielder Taylor Booth. The American international is thought to be someone ten Hag is a big fan of.

You can’t rule out the possibility of the Manchester club going back in for Mount either if Chelsea relent on their £65m asking price.