Manchester City are still leading the race for Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella, despite interest from other Premier League clubs.
It was reported recently that the Seagulls hope to hold on to the 23-year-old for at least one more season after landing Cucurella for £15.4 million on a five-year deal last year, though City believe the former Getafe man could be available for £30 million this summer.
They have lined up with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo in the position this season, with neither listing left-back as a natural position.
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Cucurella has also attracted interest from other sides in the English top-flight, including Chelsea, who are set to lose Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta ahead of what could be a major squad revamp in the summer.
According to the latest information from Sam Lee of The Athletic, Brighton will not let go of Cucurella this summer without a fight though there is confidence amongst those at the Etihad Stadium that the left-back is attainable ahead of the new campaign.
His long-term contract could put a stunt in negotiations, but a chance to play under Pep Guardiola may be too good to miss for the La Masia graduate.
He’s been a key figure in Graham Potter’s exciting Brighton outfit who finished ninth in the Premier League, scoring his first goal for the club in the 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United.
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He ranks in the 87th percentile for progressive passes from left-backs this year, as well as the 89th for passes attempted.
Manager Potter described Cucurella as particularly important after their 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in May.
"He's been really important for us since he's come here. A really infectious personality so the lads all love him. Great character and bubbly personality around the club and then on the pitch he brings energy and quality," Potter said.
"He's grown up at Barcelona so he knows how to play football and now he's desperate to have an impact in the Premier League and we are so happy with him. Obviously the more players you have the more it helps the team."
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Cucurella would certainly be a welcome addition at the Etihad, and his future could end up being a saga throughout this summer.
Topics: Manchester City, Transfers, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours