Transfer news tracker: Brighton interested in signing Moises Caicedo

The transfer window officially opened on January 2 and between now and the first day of February, The Athletic team will keep you informed of all the significant developments we hear. Recently those developments have included Arsenal’s interest in Emi Buendia, Manchester United’s hopes of signing David Alaba, Sami Khedira wanting a move to the Premier League and the latest on Lionel Messi, Luka Jovic and Sven Botman.

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We won’t bring you gossip or rumours, just what is really happening and why.

January 9, 2021

Brighton and Hove Albion are interested in signing Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo, reports Andy Naylor.

There have been reports of a £4.5 million bid tabled by Brighton, but The Athletic understands that figure is above what the club are willing to pay for the 19-year-old.

Caicedo, who has four caps for the national team, plays for Independiente del Valle in his native Ecuador and has been repeatedly linked with a move to Europe in the past few weeks.

The Athletic reported in December that Manchester United have been scouting Caicedo, and have asked former captain and Ecuador international Antonio Valencia for his opinion on the young midfielder.

This would not be Brighton’s first deal with Independiente del Valle, having signed winger Billy Arce from the club in August 2018.

January 8, 2021

Charlie Austin is poised to leave West Bromwich Albion to rejoin Queens Park Rangers on loan for the rest of the season, reports Steve Madeley.

The striker has spent a season and a half at The Hawthorns but has become surplus to requirements and has agreed to return to Loftus Road, where he spent three years from 2013.

Details of the move are still being tied up but it will take Austin back closer to the family home in Hungerford. The 31-year-old is expected to attend QPR’s FA Cup game at home to Fulham tomorrow.

Austin is likely to become a free agent this summer when his Albion contract expires, although the club have an option to extend his stay by a year.

His arrival will reduce the chances of another veteran forward, Glenn Murray, joining QPR.

Ethan Laird, Manchester United’s promising right-back, is going on loan to MK Dons for the rest of the season, Laurie Whitwell can reveal.

It is the first move away from United for the 19-year-old, who has been at the club since he was eight, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be monitoring his progress.

Laird is set to be named in manager Russell Martin’s squad for the FA Cup trip to Burnley on Saturday and the chance of regular senior games was a decisive factor in MK Dons securing the move.

Laird is highly-regarded at United for his offensive attitude and athletic abilities and he featured in two Europa League games last season, against Astana and AZ Alkmaar. But he suffered an injury that ruled out further involvement.

After recovering he was…