Manchester United target Moises Caicedo has been the subject of a £60m offer from Arsenal but Brighton and Hove Albion have turned it down.
Sky Sports News reported that the offer was rejected and, while Arsenal decide whether or not to improve their offer, the Seagulls are keen to hang on to Caicedo until the end of the season.
The Colombian has been in excellent form this season, becoming one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
His season began with a sensational display at Old Trafford during Brighton’s 2-1 win and, soon after, he was heavily linked with a move to the Red Devils.
United signed Casemiro to strengthen their midfield, and the Brazilian quickly became a key player under Erik ten Hag.
But Caicedo has shown incredible skill as a box-to-box midfielder under Roberto de Zerbi, with his incisive passing skills and impressive dribbling.
That would mean the player could work well alongside Casemiro as number eight while also providing cover in defensive midfield.
With Eriksen and Casemiro forced to play virtually every game given the poor quality of United’s substitute players, a third top midfielder is needed to avoid the fatigue that has become a theme this season.
Man United do not have the funds to go after Caicedo in this window, but are believed to still be monitoring his situation, opening the door to a potential summer offer.
De Zerbi appears resigned to losing the dynamic midfielder, but insists the Colombia star will remain at the Amex Stadium for the rest of the season.
Last week the coach said of Caicedo: “The best solution is for him to finish the season with us and change teams in the summer.”
United will surely be in for his signing in the summer, provided Arsenal fail to prove Brighton’s resolve before Wednesday.
The transfer window slams shut at 23:00 GMT on Tuesday, January 31.
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