Manchester United plan to do exactly what Chelsea do not want if Mount deal collapses

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Manchester United have a very intriguing back-up plan to turn to if a deal for Mason Mount cannot be struck with Chelsea.

Manchester United want to get a deal for Mason Mount agreed by the end of the month, Fabrizio Romano reported last night.

We expect this deal will go through, with Mount reported to be keen on the move, per The Athletic. So what happens if a deal cannot be reached?

Manchester United are reported by The Guardian to have a back-up plan, and it is one which will agitate Chelsea.

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Manchester United plan Moises Caicedo move as Mount alternative

According to The Guardian, Manchester United will turn attention to Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo if a deal for Mason Mount cannot be struck with Chelsea.

The two are different players stylistically, however, the same could be said of United’s pivot from Frenkie de Jong to Casemiro last summer.

Reading between the lines, this appears to be more of a thinly-veiled threat to Chelsea to agree a fee to sell Mason Mount, or face an added threat for Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea’s interest in Caicedo is referenced in the same report, while Sky Sports report they plan to approach Brighton for a move once they complete a number of player sales.

While unclear if they are relying on funds from the Mason Mount sale to contribute a move, Chelsea certainly would not welcome competition from Manchester United to sign the Ecuador international.

Caicedo would cost around £80 million is one of the Premier League’s best midfield prospects.

United are still reported to be optimistic a deal for Mason Mount will be struck.

The Star has reported the two clubs are nearing a compromise of around £60 million.

It would certainly be fascinating if United ended up signing Caicedo instead, and many would view this as a preferable deal to Mount, however, this looks to use like more of a ploy to try and push Chelsea into a sale.