Marc Cucurella Submits Transfer Request In Attempt To Force Manchester City Transfer From Brighton

Manchester City target Marc Cucurella has handed in a transfer request.

The Premier League Champions, who recently sold Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal in an initial £30 million transfer, have reportedly reached an impasse in negotiations with Brighton for Marc Cucurella.

City were reported on Thursday night to be 'close' to walking away from talks for the 24 year-old defender, with the Seagulls insistent on a £50 million fee.

Manchester City saw a £30 million bid for the Catalan rejected last week, and are widely claimed to have set £40 million as their upper limit - £10 million short of Brighton's valuation.

Cucurella, who moved to the AMEX from Getafe for £15 million last summer, made 38 appearances during a stunning debut season on the South Coast.

The 24 year-old is keen on completing a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer, and following continued deadlock is discussions, has taken matters into his own hands.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the 24 year-old has handed in a transfer request.

Cucurella made 38 appearances for Brighton last season, scoring one goal and registering two assists.

The Seagulls full-back is reported to be the Blues' number one left-back target, despite claims that the Champions could looks elsewhere, with the likes of Borna Sosa and Alex Grimaldo mooted.

Guardiola's side begin their Premier League title defence away to West Ham United next week.

The Champions face Liverpool in the FA Community Shield on Saturday, where teenager Josh Wilson-Esbrand looks set to make just his second senior competitive appearance.

The 19 year-old impressed during pre-season, featuring against both Club America and Bayern Munich.

Graham Potter's side begin the campaign away to Manchester United next Saturday.

Having now handed in an official transfer request in an attempt to force a move to East Manchester, many will wonder whether the Seagull's Player of the Season will be involved at Old Trafford.

City have already added four new players to their squad this summer - Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega.