Manchester United are believed to be showing interest in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder, Moises Caicedo, after previously missing out on the Ecuador international.

What's the word?

The Red Devils reportedly snubbed the chance to land the 21-year-old from former club Independiente del Valle back in January 2021 due to the negotiations becoming 'too messy', only for the playmaker to go on to join the Seagulls in that same window for a fee of just £4.5m.

Having again been tipped for a move during the summer, recent reports have claimed that United are one of the clubs who are interested in making a move should the south coast side cash in, albeit with any deal set to cost in the region of £60m-£70m.

Journalist Simon Phillips - speaking to GIVEMESPORT - has now provided an update regarding the Old Trafford outfit's interest, with the transfer insider suggesting that while the 28-cap gem is on Erik ten Hag's radar, a January swoop appears unlikely.

The respected source stated: "Manchester United are also very keen on him as well, so there are other clubs there. I don’t think anything will be done again in January for Caicedo, I think it will be in the summer.”

Imagine him and Casemiro

The Premier League giants did ultimately strengthen in the recent window with the £70m capture of serial-winner Casemiro from Real Madrid, with the experienced destroyer having gone on to thrive at the base of the midfield.

The 30-year-old has simply been a "monster" for Ten Hag's side thus far - in the words of journalist Muhammad Butt - having averaged a remarkable haul of 3.2 tackles per game in the Premier League thus far from his 11 outings.

Such has been the one-time Porto man's impact at the Theatre of Dreams, he has recorded an average match rating of 7.18 in the top flight so far this season, as per Sofascore, with that figure the second-best among the United squad.

Partnering the rock-solid asset at the base of the midfield with Caicedo could well be a truly destructive and menacing duo moving forward, with the Brighton gem having also showcased his tackling prowess after ranking sixth in the division in that metric (43).

A highly-rated "baller" - as described by broadcaster Jules Breach - the one-time Beerschot loanee has been a mainstay at the Amex since returning from his temporary stint in Belgium earlier this year, notably starting all 14 of his side's games this season.

The youngster has particularly impressed when coming up against United in the recent past, memorably scoring a stunning strike in the 4-0 thrashing at the end of last term, while also starring when the two sides met earlier this season, having won eight of his 11 duels and registered three key passes as a marker of his all-round talent.

Fusing such youthful quality with the more senior Casemiro in the centre of the park could well be a masterstroke for Ten Hag and co, with that powerful midfield duo one that no opposition would relish coming up against.

Even if the Red Devils have to pause until the summer to secure a deal, it could well prove more than worth the wait.