Manchester City are putting together plans to approach Brighton & Hove Albion in an attempt to lure priority left-back target Marc Cucurella to the Etihad Stadium.
After securing two explosive names in the leading forward positions earlier this year in Julian Alvarez from River Plate and Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, Etihad officials are now focusing their attentions on other areas of Pep Guardiola's Premier League title-winning squad.
While Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United is a leading name on the club's midfield shortlist, Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella is a primary target for the left-back role - a position that has often underwhelmed during Pep Guardiola's reign at the club since 2016.
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However, with the Catalan left-back expected to command a hefty transfer fee this summer, following his hugely impressive debut season on the south coast, City may look at alternative ways to put together a compelling enough proposal to the Seagulls.
According to a new report from The Sun, Manchester City could look to offer academy talent James McAtee on loan to Brighton as a makeweight in their bid to sign Marc Cucurella this summer - who is likely to cost more than £40 million.
The report continues by claiming that Manchester City are confident that they can fight off competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea to sign Cucurella, if Brighton decide to cash in on their star talent while his stock his high.
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Elsewhere, Manchester City are expected to make their first official contact with Leeds United after England's remaining UEFA Nations League fixtures regarding the availability and possibility of signing Kalvin Phillips from Elland Road.
After Fernandinho left Manchester City after a silverware-laden nine years at the football club this summer, Pep Guardiola and club officials will be seeking a replacement to ensure that number one defensive midfield choice Rodri remains with competition for his role.
Phillips could however cost a lot more than some may have expected, after Leeds secured their place in the Premier League for next season, and the England international is undoubtedly set to be a key part of Jesse Marsch's plans for the new campaign.
Topics: Brighton And Hove Albion, Marc Cucurella, Premier League, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers
Freddie Pye