Manchester United make £2m loan bid for Marc Cucurella

Manchester United have made a £2million loan bid for Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, but the Blues are expected to turn down the initial offer as they seek a larger loan fee.

Cucurella, who joined Chelsea from Brighton for £63million in the summer transfer window, is open to a move to Old Trafford. However, negotiations between the two clubs are delicate with United having sounded out other left-back options.

United manager Erik ten Hag is reported to be a big admirer of Cucurella and believes the Spain international’s technical ability and style of play would be a good fit for his team.

The 24-year-old has found playing time hard to come by so far at Chelsea, having been an unused substitute in Mauricio Pochettino’s first three Premier League matches in charge. He is in contention to feature for Chelsea against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

When asked about Cucurella’s future, Pochettino said he could not comment on speculation and that the defender remained available for selection.

Should negotiations between United and Chelsea break down, the Red Devils have other left-back alternatives lined up. Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon and Lyon’s Nicolas Tagliafico have both been scouted as possible fallback options if a deal for Cucurella cannot be agreed.