Chelsea identify former Man United player as Marc Cucurella replacement - report

Chelsea are eyeing up a move for a former Manchester United star to replace Marc Cucurella.

Ever since Xabi Alonso was confirmed as Chelsea's new manager, the London club have been busy in the transfer market as they look to build a brand-new team.

Without a doubt Chelsea's biggest deal of the summer so far has been their British record breaking deal for England star Morgan Rogers, who signed a massive seven-year deal following his £117million move.

In the coming days, Cheslea are expected to make another major signing with France international Maxence Lacroix joining from London rivals Crystal Palace for a fee in the region of £51m.

But it's not just incomings that Chelsea have been working on this summer, with Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, Alejandro Garnacho and Cucurella all departing.

Of the four, Cucurella's departure is undoubtedly the most significant, with the defender securing a massive move to Real Madrid for a fee believed to be £47.5m plus £4.3m in add-ons.

Cucurella played a massive role in Chelsea's successes in recent seasons and will therefore is a big loss, but it appears Alonso may have already picked his dream replacement.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea have a growing interest in Alvaro Carreras, who could join from Real Madrid in what would essentially be a swap for Cucurella.

The former Manchester United reserve reportedly has an uncertain future at Real Madrid despite joining just last year in a £43m deal from Benfica.

As it stands, Real Madrid already boast a full squad of 25 players and therefore must allow some to leave the club or risk being forced to leave some out of their official squad list next season.

Given Carreras relationship with Alonso during the Chelsea boss's spell as Real Madrid manager last season, the move would make perfect sense for both parties.

The 23-year-old held down a starting place under Alonso, eventually losing it to Fran Garcia following Alonso's dismissal and the subsequent arrival of Alvaro Arbeloa as his successor.

With Cucurella now a Real Madrid player, it seems certain that Carreras cannot regain a starting place at the Bernabeu and is therefore believed to be open to the move.

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Carreras' departure would also make sense for Real Madrid from a financial point of view after it was confirmed that the Spanish side have completed a deal for the in-demand Yan Diomande.

The Ivorian winger has attracted interest from both Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain this summer, but has ultimately agreed a move to Madrid.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, an agreement with RB Leipzig has been reached that will see the 19-year-old go for a fee over €100m (£85m).

Diomande will reportedly fly to Madrid this week to complete all of the releavnt medical tests before signing a five-year deal keeping him at the club until June 2031.