Man Utd ‘intentions’ questioned in Mount negotiations as Chelsea face threat

Manchester United’s ‘intentions’ when enquiring about the availability of Brighton star Moises Caicedo have been questioned. The Red Devils’ priority signing in midfield is Chelsea’s Mason Mount but negotiations for the England international have hit a £10million bump in the road, prompting speculation that the sounding out of an alternative is actually an empty threat to their Premier League rivals.

Erik ten Hag is desperate to bolster his ranks in all departments this summer, pushing for a marquee No 9 as well as a new goalkeeper – with David de Gea’s future at Old Trafford uncertain. Another midfielder is also high on the shopping list, with Marcel Sabitzer returning to Bayern Munich after his loan spell at the club.

Mount is the top target in the middle of the park, with United hoping to pounce upon the midfielder’s desire to leave and Chelsea’s need to sell players in order to raise funds. The Red Devils submitted a third bid of £55m for the playmaker last week, which falls short of the Blues’ £65m internal valuation.

According to The Athletic, United made it clear that they will ‘end communication’ with Chelsea if their bid is not accepted and have now contacted the representatives of Caicedo to inform them that they could bid for their client – aware that Brighton would want at least £100m for the services of their No 25.

The ‘true intentions’ of the approach have since been questioned by ‘connected individuals’ who have cast doubt over their side coughing up such a fee whilst their finances are uncertain. Instead, there is a growing feeling that the contact with Caicedo was a way to ‘irritate’ Chelsea, knowing that Mauricio Pochettino is desperate to sign the 21-year-old.

The Blues will have been forced to consider how they are conducting negotiations as a result, risking missing out on their top midfield target whilst also retaining the services of a wantaway star who will leave the club as a free agent next summer.