Chelsea join transfer race for Moises Caicedo as Man Utd contact over signing starlet is denied by manager

Chelsea have joined the race to sign Manchester United target Moises Caicedo, according to reports.

The Independiente del Valle midfielder has been heavily linked with a January move to Old Trafford.

Reports have claimed Caicedo would ‘love’ to join United, who are mounting an unlikely title challenge this season.

However, Independiente del Valle boss Santiago Morales insists there has been no contact from the Red Devils over his star man.

Morales told Radio La Red: “There’s interest from various teams for Moises Caicedo and we believe that we will not have him this year.

“There is much speculation with Moises Caicedo, but we haven’t had any communication with Manchester United.

“We are surprised that they even talk about values. But we haven’t spoken with Manchester United, although we have spoken with other great teams in the world.”

Caicedo’s impressive performances at club level have won him four caps for Ecuador.

Spanish outlet El Telegrafo say the 19-year-old, who is valued at around £4million, is now also being chased by Chelsea and Ajax.

The Blues have given first-team opportunities to youngsters such as Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Billy Gilmour and Callum Hudson-Odoi in recent years, while Ajax are renowned for developing young talent.

Chelsea are said to have ‘consulted’ for Caicedo, who has scored six goals in 31 appearances for Independiente del Valle and also netted once for Ecuador.