Transfer Centre

Man United 'add Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister to transfer shortlist'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 10 April 2023

Man United 'add Caicedo, Mac Allister to transfer shortlist'

Manchester United reportedly add Brighton & Hove Albion midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo to their list of summer targets.

Manchester United have reportedly added Brighton & Hove Albion duo Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo to their transfer wishlist for the summer window.

While Erik ten Hag's side are expected to prioritise the signing of a big-money centre-forward, at least one new midfielder is expected to arrive at Old Trafford too.

Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have proven to be astute acquisitions since joining last summer, while Marcel Sabitzer has also featured regularly after joining on loan from Bayern Munich in January.

However, it is unclear whether Sabitzer's move will be made permanent, while Scott McTominay is being heavily linked with an exit amid interest from West Ham United and Newcastle United.

The Red Devils are thought to be genuine contenders to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, but the England international could end up proving too expensive if they splash the cash on one of Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen or Randal Kolo Muani.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates scoring their fourth goal on January 7, 2023 © Reuters

Staying closer to home, The Telegraph reports that Brighton pair Caicedo and Mac Allister are also targets for Man United, who were expected to wrap up a deal for the former in 2021.

Having burst onto the scene with Independiente del Valle in Ecuador, Caicedo was tipped to make the move to Old Trafford two years ago, but the Red Devils ultimately pulled the plug on a move.

Instead, Caicedo signed for Brighton for just €5m (£4.4m), and he has immediately adapted to the rigours of English football with two goals and three assists from 42 games in all tournaments.

The 21-year-old was at the centre of a whirlwind transfer saga in January, where he revealed his desire to leave the club on social media as Arsenal attempted to prise him away from the Amex Stadium.

The Gunners saw two bids rejected by Brighton, who briefly dropped Caicedo from their squad before unexpectedly tying him down to a new contract until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo in action on December 26, 2022 © Reuters

Caicedo's new contract will not deter potential suitors, and Brighton could still be open to a sale for the right price, but Man United will likely be quoted a fee in excess of £70m.

The Seagulls are not expected to entertain summer bids from Arsenal, who did not heed warnings to back off in January, handing Man United an early boost in the race for Caicedo as the Gunners focus their efforts on signing Declan Rice from West Ham United.

Meanwhile, Argentinian World Cup winner Mac Allister has found his goalscoring touch in the current Premier League season, netting eight times in 25 matches during the Seagulls' push for Europe.

As is the case with Caicedo, Mac Allister also extended his Brighton contract earlier in the season, but his deal only runs until 2025 with the option of an additional 12 months.

Liverpool and Chelsea are both said to be battling for the signature of the 24-year-old, whose father has revealed that contact is already being made from interested clubs.