Brighton are ready to sit down and discuss a new deal with midfielder Moises Caicedo after several clubs registered an interest in taking him over the summer.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal all looked at the 20-year-old, and new Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who gave the Ecuadorian his Premier League debut, is also a big admirer.
The Seagulls will now look to reward the progress he has made this year with a package that will bring his wages closer in line with other first-team regulars. Caicedo still has almost three years to run on his contract but Brighton want to protect his value.
Potter sanctioned a move for Caicedo back in February of 2021, before slowly integrating him into his impressive Seagulls side. Speaking before he swapped the Amex for Stamford Bridge, his former manager suggested it would take close to £100million to sign the midfielder.
During the final days of the window, Potter was asked about reports of a £42m bid and whether he was confident he would remain with Brighton beyond the summer window. “'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.”
As for the player himself, he is happy to stick with the team that took a chance on him, bringing him to the Premier League. "I’m very happy here at Brighton," he said before Potter’s exit.
"I’m not thinking about any other club than Brighton. This is the club where I am now and I will give everything for this club and to keep doing well here."
Manchester United have already missed the chance to sign Caicedo when he was available at a bargain price. The Red Devils were offered the chance to sign him from Independiente del Valle, before he joined Brighton for a paltry £4.5m.
However, if Erik ten Hag is interested in rekindling that interest, Caicedo would likely be open to a move, previously admitting: "My dream is to play for Manchester United because I like English football. The pace is very high, and Manchester United are my favourite club."
