Moises Caicedo welcomes reported Manchester United, Chelsea interest

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo has welcomed claims that Manchester United and Chelsea are both interested in signing him during this summer's transfer window.

The 21-year-old made the move to Brighton from Independiente del Valle in 2019, spending time on loan with Belgian outfit Beerschot before making his first appearance for the Seagulls in January 2022.

Caicedo has now featured on 53 occasions for the club in all competitions, scoring twice and registering three assists, while he played a leading role in the team's excellent 2022-23 campaign.

The Ecuador international made 43 appearances last term, scoring once and providing one assist, including 37 outings in the Premier League, as Brighton finished in sixth position, their highest ever top-flight spot.

Caicedo is widely expected to leave the Amex this summer, with Man United and Chelsea among the clubs to be credited with an interest in his services.

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At this stage, Chelsea are thought to lead the race for the midfielder, and Caicedo has welcomed suggestions that he could move to a Premier League giant in the current window.

"It's a very great emotion," Caicedo told Maria Jose Flores. "What guy wouldn't want them to be talking about him?

"I know how to handle it. I don't get carried away by emotions. I'm enjoying time with my family for now. There is pressure, but I am calm. I am waiting for whatever God decides. He will know what is best for me."

Brighton are believed to want in excess of £100m for Caicedo, with the club under no pressure to sell him for a cut-price fee due to their strong financial situation.

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Declan Rice is on the verge of moving to Arsenal from West Ham United in a £105m deal, and Brighton allegedly believe that Caicedo is worth slightly move than the Englishman.

Caicedo also praised Independiente del Valle youngster Kendry Paez, who will make the move to Chelsea when he turns 18 years old in 2025.

"Kendry is a star," Caicedo said. "Watching him play is a pleasure. "It's good to see those talents in Ecuador. We know that we have good youth.

"I am very happy for him, for everything he is doing, for how he is working. May he continue on the right path and go far. He has the talent."

Chelsea have already made three signings during this summer's transfer window, bringing in Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Diego Moreira.