Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for 25-year-old Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella.
Heading into the final few days of the transfer window, the Red Devils are searching far and wide for reinforcements in that area of the field due to Luke Shaw’s recent injury.
The England international is facing several weeks on the sidelines due to a muscular injury, while backup option Tyrell Malacia is nursing a knee problem and will not be back until after the September international break.
With the recent challenges in United’s camp, Sport Journalist, Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Red Devils have now made contact with Chelsea to enquire about a move for the 25-year-old Spanish full-back.
Romano noted that Manchester United have three possible options at the position. He tweeted;
“EXCL: Manchester United made contact with Chelsea to ask about conditions of Marc Cucurella deal on potential loan — no bid or concrete talks yet. United looking for LB opportunity but not too expensive — there are three candidates in the list. No decision made yet.”
EXCL: Manchester United made contact with Chelsea to ask about conditions of Marc Cucurella deal on potential loan — no bid or concrete talks yet 🚨🔴🇪🇸
United looking for LB opportunity but not too expensive — there are three candidates in the list. No decision made yet. pic.twitter.com/KLR9RwW5Q1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2023
While the identity of Man United’s other targets is unknown, ex-Chelsea and Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand is allegedly under consideration, having departed Leicester City at the end of his contract in June.
United manager Erik ten Hag had also confirmed the club could reinforce at left-back. He said;
“It can be (that United sign a left-back). I think we always have to anticipate on situations. If there are opportunities then yes, but it has to be the right player otherwise we have to deal with the current squad. We went through the scenarios before the season and if it happened, we have the solution.”
The 25-year-old Spaniard joined Chelsea from Brighton for £62 million last year but is out of favour under new coach Mauricio Pochettino, who prefers Ben Chilwell at left wing-back.
Cucurella is contracted to Chelsea till 2028 and the London club’s conditions for him to be loaned out to Manchester United is still unclear at the moment.