Moises Caicedo admits Real Madrid 'dream' in Manchester United transfer blow

Moises Caicedo admits it's his 'dream' to play for Real Madrid in a transfer blow to Manchester United.

The Brighton midfielder has enjoyed a fine season on the south coast with Roberto De Zerbi's side making a late charge for European football. Such form has inevitably attracted interest from top Premier League sides, with Arsenal having a £70million approach turned down in January.

United are also thought to be keen on the Ecuador international, with Erik ten Hag wanting to reinforce his midfield options. But in a blow to United and any other English suitors, the player has spoken of his desire to one day pull on the white of Madrid.

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"It was always my dream to play for Real Madrid," Caicedo told Cadena SER. "Now I’m doing things very well and why not one day play there and win the Champions League with Real Madrid. The way they play, the personality, the style, it’s really impressive."

Caicedo reportedly skipped training sessions during January in a bid to force a move to Arsenal, with Brighton unwilling to lose a key component of their side late in the window. Despite his efforts to leave, the 21-year-old ultimately remained at the Amex and then signed a new long-term deal in March, keeping him with the Seagulls until 2027.

Reports have since suggested De Zerbi would be willing to sell the midfielder for the right price. United are thought to be interested in both Caicedo and his Brighton teammate Alexis MacAllister, with Ten Hag eyeing a ball-playing No.8 and potential competition for Casemiro.