Manchester United have reportedly made an official bid to sign Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella on an initial loan deal.
The Red Devils are desperately searching for reinforcements in that area of the field following injuries to first-choice Luke Shaw and his deputy Tyrell Malacia.
Shaw's muscular problem is expected to keep the England international sidelined for several weeks, while Malacia is yet to make an appearance in the current campaign.
With Ipswich Town signing Brandon Williams on loan, Erik ten Hag has been left with Alvaro Fernandez as his only recognised left-back, while Diogo Dalot deputised on that side in the weekend's win over Nottingham Forest.
Lisandro Martinez is also capable of playing out wide, but the Argentina international has formed an effective central pairing with Raphael Varane and is not expected to return to full-back duties in the near future.
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As a result, Man United are prioritising a left-back signing before Friday's deadline, and according to The Athletic, the Red Devils have stepped up their efforts to sign Chelsea outcast Cucurella.
The former Barcelona man was a star performer for Brighton & Hove Albion in the 2021-22 campaign, and the Blues paid £56.2m to bring him to Stamford Bridge last summer.
However, Cucurella's first season in West London was a forgettable one, as he registered just two assists from 33 appearances and started just 21 Premier League games as the Blues finished 12th in the standings.
The 25-year-old was deployed in a variety of positions for Chelsea, playing as a left-back, left midfielder and centre-back in a three-man defence, but his performances drew criticism.
With Ben Chilwell returning to full fitness, Cucurella is yet to play a single minute for Mauricio Pochettino's side this season, and he is now facing added competition from Ian Maatsen following the youngster's impressive pre-season campaign.
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Cucurella is still under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2028, but the report adds that Chelsea have responded to Man United's approach and are now locked in negotiations with the Red Devils.
Ten Hag's side are believed to be hoping to sign Cucurella on a season-long loan initially, and the Man United boss views him as the perfect fit for his system.
While the Spaniard is reportedly Man United's number one target, the Red Devils have been linked with a plethora of left-backs, including Tottenham Hotspur's Sergio Reguilon and Brentford's Rico Henry.
Ex-Chelsea man and current Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso was also thought to be a candidate, but the Spaniard has allegedly turned down the chance to sign a two-year deal at Old Trafford.
Man United - who have already signed Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount this summer - are next in action away to fellow top-four chasers Arsenal on Sunday.
Ben Knapton
