Erik ten Hag's answer to Manchester United midfield problem is right under his nose

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been working relentlessly to get a deal over the line for a midfielder.

Mason Mount was his first port of call which seemed to be easy enough at first as the Reds managed to agree personal terms with minimal fuss. What was not anticipated was Chelsea's reluctance to agree a suitable fee for a player they rate highly.

So far United has seen three bids rejected by the Blues for Mount and the Reds are now contemplating pulling out of the deal altogether. Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo is now on United's target list.

It is understood a fee of £80m may be needed to persuade the Seagulls to part ways with their man. While at 21 the Ecuadorian is seen as a player worth spending big on, it may not be viable for United to splash this much cash when there are other areas of the squad which need strengthening too - chief among which is the forward line followed closely by a new first-choice goalkeeper.

ALSO READ: United prompt suspicion Sabitzer might be staying

MEN Sport understands United were considering reigniting their interest in Adrien Rabiot but this option has now fallen through thanks to the Frenchman signing a one-year contract extension with Juventus on Tuesday. With options running out, Ten Hag could revert to an option which has been right under his nose this whole time. Marcel Sabitzer.

Until his untimely injury, Sabitzer was one of United's stronger performers in the second half of the campaign. His arrival on loan from Bayern Munich on deadline day added much-needed reinforcement but he was more than just a body to make up the numbers in Christian Eriksen's absence.

His performance in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla