Man Utd ‘to fight Premier League rivals for Casemiro replacement’ and avoid repeating Moises Caicedo transfer mistake

MANCHESTER UNITED are ready for a dogfight with Premier League rivals over the “new Moises Caicedo”.

Oscar Zambrano, 19, has been lighting up the Ecuadorian league for his club LDU Quito.

GettyMan Utd face a battle for Ecuadorian sensation Oscar Zambrano[/caption]

PAThe Red Devils are searching for Casemiro’s replacement[/caption]

And United reportedly see the teenager as a replacement for ageing Brazilian Casemiro.

However, the Red Devils face a battle against two other top-flight sides for Zambrano’s coveted signature.

El Futbolero claims Brighton are interested in doing a deal this winter.

But it’s ambitious Luton Town who have already made a bid after tracking him for several months.

They are desperate to fast-track a move before United and Brighton strike.

Yet Zambrano’s club LDU Quito are aware of interest from elsewhere and are willing to wait for more offers to flood in.

United have been monitoring the youngster in recent weeks, with club chiefs determined to avoid a repeat of their 2021 fiasco with now-Chelsea star Caicedo.

The Red Devils backed out of a deal to sign him from Independiente del Valle for just £4.5million, with Brighton swooping in to pick up the pieces.

GettyZambrano is dubbed the ‘new Moises Caicedo’, who United turned down for a bargain fee[/caption]

Caicedo quickly became an integral part of Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

And 18 months later he became the most expensive midfielder in history with a £115m move to Stamford Bridge.

United are also hoping to land a striker this month, with a loan deal the most likely outcome.

RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner is on Erik ten Hag’s radar.

But it’s Bayern Munich veteran and ex-Stoke flop Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting who is in pole position for Old Trafford.