Manchester United Rumors: Red Devils In Talks With Midfielder Inspired By Pogba, Report Says

Amid Paul Pogba’s looming exit, Manchester United has taken a step closer to signing teenage midfield star Moises Caicedo, a report says.

The Red Devils have started recruiting new signings ahead of the January transfer window. Though Pogba is still in contract, his future at Old Trafford has become uncertain. Now, United has “opened discussions” over the potential transfer of Independiente del Valle midfielder Caicedo, Daily Record reported. International Business Times could not independently verify the information.

Caicedo has been in fine form for the Argentine side, and his current value is set to increase following his promotion to the World Cup qualifying team. The Ecuador international has a price tag of €6 million ($7.3 million), but the report stated that should a club try to pursue a deal, Independiente would be asking another “20%” of any future sale aside from the guaranteed fee.

The 19-year-old midfield sensation has already scored once in four appearances for Ecuador’s national team. But more importantly, Caicedo has made his mark in the Argentina’s Primera Division, drawing attention from not only United but also West Ham.

Caicedo’s potential move to Old Trafford is reportedly part of United chief Ed Woodward's much-vaunted “cultural reboot.” The youngster is also viewed as a good fit for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s strategy as he is a box-to-box midfielder with a notable energy and aggressiveness in pressing.

Even more interesting, Caicedo shares a mutual interest in joining the Red Devils. According to the Independiente star, he has always wanted to play for United and follow in the footsteps of Pogba, as well as N’Golo Kante.

“Manchester United are my favourite club,” Caicedo said in a recent TV interview. “I really like the game of N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, I learn a lot from them every time I see them. I always try to do what they do, that’s why they are there.”

Independiente coach Miguel Angel Ramirez is also convinced that Caicedo is ready to take on bigger challenges in his young career.

“Moises [Caicedo] understands the game, he has grown a lot in his understanding since he came to the first team,” Ramirez said of his midfielder. “He has a great first touch and good control, which helps him keep the game moving.”

As for Pogba, Solskajer insisted that what’s important is he and the Frenchman know the truth regardless of everything the media has said about the situation.

"Paul [Pogba], he wants to play, he wants to train," Solskjaer revealed. "He enjoys football, he wants success, he's ambitious, so when he's on the pitch and on the training field I see a boy who enjoys his football - that's what I care about.”