The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
Dwight Yorke has warned Man United about going into the upcoming season without further midfield reinforcements and has urged Erik ten Hag to enter the race for Moises Caicedo.
The 21-year-old midfielder has emerged as the top target for Chelsea this summer and has even recently spoken of his admiration for the side.
However, the Blues have found him particularly difficult to prise away from Stamford Bridge with a dogged Brighton determined to receive a fee in excess of £100m.
United on the other hand have recently completed the signing of Mason Mount and have now turned their attention to Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana. The club also still holds interest in Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund.
Yorke, though, believes the team are light in the centre of park and fears the result of an extended period without Casemiro in the team.
Brighton are refusing to yield on their £100m-plus valuation of 21-year-old midfielder Caicedo
Dwight Yorke believes United should battle it out for the Ecuadorian’s signature this summer
Caicedo’s performances were crucial in helping Brighton secure their highest-ever finish
‘Price tags are ridiculous in football now, it is what it is, but Moises Caicedo is a damn good player and had a great season for Brighton,’ Yorke told BoyleSports.
‘It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Man United sign him because he plays in a position that we need more depth in. You see the change in quality when Casemiro comes out of the team due to suspension or injury, we don’t look the same.
‘Caicedo would give that energy in the midfield, he’s very functional in the directiveness of his play and he’s also aggressive and a great tackler. I’m not surprised to see Chelsea are in for him too.’
With Fred and Scott McTominey tipped to depart Old Trafford this summer, Yorke put forward Arsenal’s Thomas Partey as another option for his old club.
Transfer fees from the sales of Scott McTominey (L) and Fred (M) could lead to further deals
Thomas Partey fell out of Mikel Areta’s staring XI towards the back end if the 2022-23 season
The Ghanaian has fallen out of favour in north London after a poor run of form at the end of last season and is set to be replaced by the incoming Declan Rice.
The 30-year-old has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, though he is believed to prefer a move to Juventus.
‘Thomas Partey wouldn’t be a bad signing for Man United,’ Yorke added. ‘But it depends on whether Mikel Arteta changes his formation to 4-2-3-1 where he has two defensive midfielders where both Declan Rice and Partey can play together.
‘Having a player like Partey makes Man United or Arsenal more adaptable because they can play different positions with his qualities.’
