Manchester United have opened talks with Chelsea over a potential loan deal for left-back Marc Cucurella, 90min understands.
United have lost usual starter Luke Shaw to injury for the next few months and so have drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements, with Barcelona's Marcos Alonso and Tottenham Hotspur's Sergio Reguilon also among the options.
Sources have confirmed to 90min that United have now advanced their interest in Cucurella and have opened talks with Chelsea over a possible deal for the Spaniard.
United, who are known admirers of Cucurella from his time at Brighton & Hove Albion, are looking to take the 25-year-old on loan.
With Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino open to parting ways with Cucurella, who has not featured in the Premier League so far this season, Blues officials are engaging in talks but would prefer a permanent departure.
Chelsea would be happy with a loan deal but are expected to push for an obligation to make the move permanent as they seek to raise as much money as possible after three transfer windows of hectic spending.
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As was the case with Chelsea's talks with Roma over Romelu Lukaku, a significant loan fee will also be demanded if United are to take Cucurella, whose only Premier League goal so far came in a 4-0 win over the Red Devils in May 2022.
United's interest in Cucurella is driven by concerns over both Shaw and deputy Tyrell Malacia, who is also currently sidelined through injury.
As a result, 20-year-old Alvaro Fernandez is the only fit left-back available to Erik ten Hag amid an injury crisis which has already left Mason Mount, Raphael Varane, Kobbie Mainoo, Tom Heaton, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund sidelined.
Fernandez impressed on loan with Preston North End last season but Ten Hag is keen to add a senior option at left-back and United are now working to bring Cucurella to Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are working to tie another left-back, Dutch youngster Ian Maatsen, down to a new contract. Maatsen, whose deal has just 12 months left to run, excelled out with Burnley last year and has made two appearances for the Blues this campaign.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Man Utd in talks with Chelsea over Marc Cucurella loan.
