MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea look set to be beaten to the transfer of Ecuador wonderkid Moises Caicedo by Brighton.
Caicedo plays for Independiente del Valle, where he has become a regular feature.
Moises Caicedo is set to fly into the UK to seal his move to Brighton Credit: AFP – Getty
The 19-year-old box-to-box midfielder has also featured for Ecuador’s national side making four appearances.
Sky Sports reports that Caicedo is flying in to the UK to finalise a £4.5m move to the Seagulls.
According to his club’s general manager Santiago Morales, a work permit has already been arranged.
There is also a 20 per cent sell-on clause in the transfer.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that there has never been a ‘done deal’ with Manchester United, as some outlets had reported.
This is despite the teenager admitting he is a United supporter.
In a recent television interview Caicedo said: “Manchester United are my favourite club.
“I really like the game of N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, I learn a lot from them every time I see them.
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Graham Potter appears to have won the race for CaicedoCredit: PA:Press Association
“I always try to do what they do, that’s why they are there.”
As well as United and Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton were in the hunt for the exciting talent.
And in-form West Ham were the latest Premier League side to register an interest.
But Hammers boss David Moyes has recently stated that due to the club’s financial situation, the club would only look to do a deal if the price is right.
Moyes said: “If we can and we think there is something available the owner would try and do it, but obviously like everybody else we’re in a difficult situation financially. We won’t be daft.”
But it appears Brighton boss Graham Potter have won the transfer race.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk