Man Utd submit loan proposal for Chelsea star as Ten Hag preference is made clear (original) (raw)
Manchester United have submitted a loan proposal to take Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella for the season amid their injury crisis.
It’s no secret that Erik ten Hag is in the market for a new left-back after it was revealed that Luke Shaw will miss their upcoming matches.
As natural backup Tyrell Malacia is still recovering from an injury himself, Ten Hag is desperately short of options in this position as things stand.
Diogo Dalot was given the nod at left-back against Nottingham Forest and was preferred over Alvaro Fernandez who made the bench. The Spanish youngster could yet depart on loan, but that could hinge on Man Utd signing a player of their own.
Plenty of names have been considered by Man Utd as the likes of Rico Henry and Sergio Reguilon have been linked in recent days.
The most concrete interest has been in Chelsea’s Cucurella though and Man Utd have now made their opening approach to sign him.
According to David Ornstein, Man Utd have submitted a loan proposal to take the 25-year-old for the season. Talks are said to be ‘ongoing’ as the two clubs discuss the parameters of the deal.
Ornstein explains that the defender is seen as a ‘good fit’ for Ten Hag and as things stand he is their ‘top candidate’ for this position.
Cucurella has a point to prove
There’s no denying that Cucurella’s £62m move to Chelsea hasn’t gone to plan. The Spanish defender joined the club in a difficult period but struggled to find much form last season.
Ben Chilwell has been the preferred option on the left-hand side under Mauricio Pochettino so far and Ian Maatsen also looked to be ahead of Cucurella in the pecking order.
As Chelsea are still looking to slim down their squad, sending the 25-year-old out on loan could make sense. While they would be strengthening a direct rival, Cucurella would be given the opportunity to rediscover some form.
Fabrizio Romano has provided some further information on the proposed loan deal and where both clubs currently stand.
“Manchester United opening bid sent to Chelsea for Marc Cucurella after talks revelaed two days ago,” Romano confirmed.
“Understand loan fee offered in excess of £2m; Chelsea want more, talks ongoing to make it happen. Cucurella, open to joining United since Saturday. Deal on.
“Manchester United will not advance on any other left back until they’re in talks for Marc Cucurella. Club confident to reach agreement with Chelsea.”
There’s every chance that a fresh start elsewhere could do Cucurella the world of good. Given his disappointing spell at Chelsea, it’s easy to forget just how good he was for Brighton.
Prior to his move to Stamford Bride, he was one of the most sought-after full-backs in Europe. Even Man City were in the race to sign him at one stage.
Cucurella will be desperate to prove the doubters wrong and perhaps a loan to Old Trafford could revive his career.