Brighton & Hove Albion have set their asking price for midfielder Moises Caicedo amid interest from Manchester United, according to The Sun.

The Red Devils had the chance to sign the Ecuador international for just £3.6 million at the start of 2021 but they were beaten to his services by the Seagulls.

While United were in contact with his club Independiente, Caicedo was convinced to move to the South Coast as Brighton started scouting him much earlier.

Caicedo has since developed into one of the Premier League’s top defensive midfielders and The Sun now report that United have to pay £60-70m to sign him.

Chelsea and Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old.

Man Utd unlikely to spend big on another defensive midfielder

Casemiro and Scott McTominay have been impressive from the number six role this campaign and the former cemented his starting spot before the World Cup finals.

United have the position well covered at the moment. Caicedo was a top target for them, but spending big on a bench player would not represent good piece of business.

The club should instead focus on the creative midfield department. Christian Eriksen needs a solid competitor in the squad. Fred has been largely inconsistent at United.

There are suggestions that Fred could be released when his contract expires next summer. If that happens, the club should prioritise the signing of a central midfielder with an eye for goal.

Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham have been linked, but neither will come for cheap as they will be carrying price tags of over £100m next summer.