Manchester United have contacted Chelsea over the possibility of signing Marc Cucurella, according to a new report.
Luke Shaw's muscular injury, which will cause him to miss 'a number of weeks', as per the Manchester Evening News, leaves United desperately short in the full-back position.
For Saturday's 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest, manager Erik ten Hag fielded Diogo Dalot at left-back.
Alvaro Fernandez is another option after his impressive loan spell at Preston North End last season, and United have reportedly stalled a loan move to Granada for the Spaniard.
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But they are looking elsewhere, and have been linked with a move for former Southampton star Ryan Bertrand. The England international is a free agent after leaving Leicester.
And they have now been linked with a shock move for Cucurella.
Man Utd 'interested in signing Marc Cucurella'
According to Fabrizio Romano, United have contacted Chelsea over the Spanish left-back as they seek to end their defensive crisis.
It is claimed that Ten Hag wants a left-back through the door by deadline day, and has targeted Cucurella as one of his main options.
Romano has added, meanwhile, that United have a three-player shortlist for the position - with the former Brighton star included.
He tweeted: "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 at LB opportunity but not too expensive - there are three candidates in the list. No decision made yet."
Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton for a deal that could be worth over £60 million last summer.
He started life at the Blues as a left wing-back, and also filled in as a left-sided centre-back on occasion.
But he has slowly dropped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, and is now behind starting left wing-back Ben Chilwell.
He has yet to play a minute for Chelsea this season in their three competitive matches under new boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Topics: Manchester United, Chelsea, Marc Cucurella, Premier League, Transfers, Luke Shaw
Ryan Smart