Real Madrid 'want Brighton's Caicedo as a replacement for Modric and Kroos'

Real Madrid are reportedly identified Brighton's highly-rated Moises Caicedo as a replacement for club legend Luka Modric.

The Ecuadorian's midfield performances have drawn high acclaim having featured in every Premier League game they've played so far - with the Seagulls sat eighth in the league table.

His stellar displays could soon be rewarded with a big-money move to Madrid, though Brighton will be hoping their high valuation of the Ecuadorian will see him stay at the Amex beyond this summer.

According to Fichajes, Madrid president Perez has identified the Brighton star as the replacement for veteran midfielder Luka Modric - who will likely leave in the next few seasons.

The Spanish giants are said to be impressed with Caicedo's physique, technical quality, speed and versatility across the midfield.

Jude Bellingham, Florian Wirtz, Enzo Fernández and Bruno Guimaraes had been a few names sounded out as potential midfield options for next summer and now Caicedo's name has been added to the list.

Though Brighton will be hoping that their £68million valuation of the 21-year-old will be enough to deter Madrid from making an approach.

The high price-tag stems from his young age, the three years remaining on his current deal and the fact he's viewed as a key feature of their team.

In September, it had been reported that ex-Brighton coach Graham Potter was willing to offer Caicedo a new bumper-deal in an attempt to fend off any transfer interest. The midfielder has been linked with Arsenal and Man United.

Potter has since left the club to join Chelsea but new boss Roberto De Zerbi will likely have a similar view over Caicedo's situation.

The midfielder is currently one of the club's lowest earners - with a reported weekly wage of £10,000-a-week - but the club were willing to offer a pay rise close to £60,000-a-week.

This would make him one of the side's highest earners alongside the likes of Danny Welbeck and Adam Lallana.

Caicedo was also linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in the summer but remained at Brighton.

Brighton signed Caicedo in August 2021 from Independiente del Valle for a fee of £3.6million.

His value has risen exponentially since his arrival in the Premier League having barely put a foot wrong across his 22 appearances for the Seagulls.