29 August 2023 , 16:11
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Manchester United are pushing to sign Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella before Friday's transfer deadline.
United have contacted Chelsea about taking the 25-year-old on a short-term loan to provide cover at left-back, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both out injured.
Talks are ongoing between United and Chelsea over a deal for Cucurella, who has struggled at Stamford Bridge following his £55million move from Brighton a year ago.
United’s preferred scenario is for a loan, likely to be until December 31, with both clubs in dialogue over the exact terms of the proposed agreement.
Although United have also looked at Tottenham's Sergio Reguilon, Barcelona's Marcos Alonso and Brentford's Rico Henry, Cucurella has now emerged as the leading candidate.
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United and England defender Shaw suffered a muscle injury that is set to keep him out until for several weeks, with Malacia also sidelined, having missed the club's pre-season tour.
With Shaw and Malacia unavailable, United boss Erik ten Hag's only recognised left-back is 20-year-old rookie Alvaro Fernandez, hence the move for an emergency signing there.
Cucurella has been an unused substitute in Chelsea's first three Premier League matches of the new season, with Ben Chilwell preferred ahead of him.
Diogo Dalot slotted in at left-back in United's 3-2 comeback win over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday.
But Ten Hag has persuaded the Old Trafford board they need to bring in someone to fill in there while Shaw and Malacia are out.