Transfer Talk: Seagulls prepare Caicedo contract as interest hots up

Brighton are ready to hand midfielder Moises Caicedo a bumper new contract as interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal hots up.

The Ecuador international’s reputation continues to grow after some impressive performances at the heart of the Seagulls midfield.

Several of the Premier League’s biggest clubs registered an interest in the 20-year-old in the summer and now the managerless outfit want to reward him with a new deal.

The Mirror say Brighton will offer a package that will bring his wages more in line with other first-team regulars in a bid to stave off the big hitters.

Graham Potter recently left the South Coast club to become manager of Chelsea, who are another side said to admire Caicedo.

During the final days of the summer transfer window, the 47-year-old was asked about the player’s future amid reports of a £47million bid.

Potter said: "In football you never know, but we are quite calm and confident.

"You'd probably get his boots for that from the chairman — maybe! £100m? They can try. It doesn't surprise me that people are looking at him because he is playing at a fantastic level.

"As soon as you do research on him you realise he is a top kid, great person, young, playing in the Premier League, has all the attributes to play at the very, very highest level."

United turned down the chance to sign Caicedo for £4.5m while the midfielder was still at Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag said to be keen on a move.

In other news

Barcelona will resume their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, 28, when the winter window opens, according to reports in Spain.

The Athletic report Manchester United could have signed Barca right-back Sergino Dest, 21, during the last transfer window in the summer only for a boardroom disagreement to scupper the move.

West Ham are ready to make a £12m approach for Sheffield United defender John Egan, 29, in January, say The Sun.