Bayern turn to Caicedo after withdrawing interest in Rice

Bayern Munich have turned their attention to Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo after pulling out of the race to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

According to Sky Sport’s Florian Plettenberg, the Bundesliga champions have opened talks to sign the defensive midfielder but are aware of the competition they will face from their English counterparts.

Arsenal have a long-standing interest in Caicedo, but the Gunners are focused on wrapping up Rice’s signature and have seen an opening bid rebuffed by West Ham.

They will withdraw their interest in Caicedo once they finalise a move for Rice, as they are also keen on snapping up Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.

With Manchester United and Liverpool focusing on other targets, Chelsea remains Caicedo’s only potential destination in the Premier League, but they will face competition from Bayern.

Chelsea are focusing on outgoing transfers before bringing in recruits, with the Blues keen to trim their oversized squad, especially without the prospect of European football next term.

Caicedo remains one of the first names on their wish list after missing out on Manuel Ugarte, with the Blues looking to sort out their defensive midfield problems ahead of next season.

Bayern also represents a concrete option for the Ecuador international, with Thomas Tuchel keen on a new defensive midfielder, and the German champions can offer Champions League football.

Tuchel is looking to bolster his squad after narrowly helping Die Roten defend their coveted Bundesliga title last season. They beat Borussia Dortmund to the punch by one point.

Joshua Kimmich’s long-term future in Bavaria is also in doubt, with the German international attracting interest from Spanish champions Barcelona.

Reports suggest the versatile midfielder is unsettled at the Allianz Arena, and Barca are looking to pounce.

However, they have seen a first approach for the 28-year-old rebuffed by the German champions.