Former Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf has rated Sofyan Amrabat’s loan to Manchester United as a better deal than Moises Caicedo’s mega-money switch to Stamford Bridge.

Todd Boehly paid Brighton £115million for Caicedo, a British transfer record, in a window where Chelsea spent around £400m on 12 players. The Ecuador star had been linked with a switch to United early in the window ahead of Mason Mount’s £70m arrival.

Amrabat became the second midfield recruit of the window upon his deadline day loan switch for a cost of €10m. United have the option to buy for €20m plus €5m in add-ons, something Fiorentina insisted on.

Leboeuf believes Amrabat would have been a better partner for Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea, outlining his frustration that his former club were unable to seal a deal for the player.

“When I see those kind of players going to Manchester United … I often talk about Chelsea trying to find those experienced players in the middle of the park,” Leboeuf lamented to ESPN.

“Why didn’t you think about that guy? He would have been the perfect player to pair with Enzo Fernandez. Yeah they got Moises Caicedo, but for over £100m! I see that guy going to United on loan, he can then be bought for [a total fee of] £30m.

“That would have been a bargain. He was amazing for Morocco at the last World Cup. He has proven his talent. Why don’t Chelsea think of these guys? He’s an experienced player. Why don’t Chelsea think of these kinds of players?”