Meet Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Moises Caicedo – the Ecuador starlet who loves Kante but dreams of Old Trafford
MOISES CAICEDO is not likely to be short of options across Europe when the transfer window opens in January.
The Ecuadorian is a wanted man with Manchester United, Chelsea, RB Leipzig and AC Milan just some of the clubs scrambling for his signature.
And with just a £5million price-tag on his head, the 19-year-old midfield sensation could prove to be a bargain.
Who are ya?
Caicedo currently plays in Ecuador for Independiente del Valle having joined the club aged 13.
He has progressed to become the star name in their side after making his debut aged 17.
And his rise on the pitch has been so phenomenal that he is already an Ecuadorian international with four caps under his belt.
It was playing for his country in their 2022 World Cup qualification matches that earned the attention from scouts across Europe and led to Manchester United making their move.
Caicedo helped inspire his country to three wins in those four matches including scoring in a 4-2 win over Uruguay.
His goal saw him become Ecuador's youngest ever scorer.
His strengths…
Caicedo is regarded as a powerful midfielder and has been likened to both Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante.
He came through the ranks as a no-nonsense defensive midfielder.
But his ability and all-round play as seen him push further up the field and contribute in an attacking sense.
Caicedo has the pace and skill to breeze through the opposition and boasts brilliant vision making him capable of picking out defence-splitting passes.
Independiente de Valle's coach Miguel Angel Ramirez also heaped praise on his intelligence.
He told Marca: "Moises understands the game, he has grown a lot in his understanding since he came to the first team.
“He has a great first touch and good control, which helps him keep the game moving.”
Where's he going?
It's good news for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with United well and truly in the driving seat for his signature.
The Norwegian sees the rising star as Nemanja Matic's long-term replacement while he could also fill the void if Paul Pogba leaves the club.
And Caicedo himself has admitted it's his 'dream' to play at Old Trafford in the future.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo in May, he said: "My dream is to arrive at Manchester United.
“I like English football a lot because it is a quick style of football.”
And he also revealed how he wants to follow in Kante and Pogba's footsteps by playing in the Premier League.
He told Global Digital TV: "My challenge is one day to be in the elite of world football. I have proposed this to myself, my dream is to play in the big leagues.
“I really like the game of N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, I learn a lot from them every time I see them. I always try to do what they do, that’s why they are there.”
And it appears a deal to United could be closer than ever after his boss confirmed they have received an offer.
Ramirez said: "We have received an offer from a European club for Moises Caicedo, we are negotiating the proposal.
"It is most likely that he will not be in our team in 2021 due to the proposal we’ve received, it is very difficult to keep him."
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