Man Utd 'make contact' with Chelsea over shock Marc Cucurella deal as free agent eyed

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.

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."

EXCL: 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 for LB opportunity but not too expensive — there are three candidates in the list. No decision made yet. pic.twitter.com/KLR9RwW5Q1

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2023

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.