A member of Marc Cucurella's entourage flew to Manchester last week, according to a new report, as Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain returned to England following a short holiday.
The Premier League champions are understood to be eyeing a swoop for Cucurella after closing deals for Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez in the ongoing transfer window.
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has also been heavily linked with a switch to the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City search for a replacement for departing club captain Fernandinho.
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Having joined Brighton from Getafe last summer, Cucurella enjoyed a stellar debut campaign at the Amex Stadium and made 38 appearances across all competitions for the Seagulls last season.
The Spaniard, who rose through the ranks at Barcelona's famous La Masia academy, is top of Manchester City's wishlist to bolster their prospects at left-back ahead of the new campaign.
Whilst Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko have both put in impressive displays on the left side of defence in the last 18 months, Pep Guardiola is keen on signing Cucurella to address an area that has often proved to be Manchester City's Achilles heel since 2017.
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According to a new report by Brian Owen of The Argus, a member of Marc Cucurella's camp travelled to Manchester last week - with the trip understood to be concerning a possible summer move for the 23-year-old to the Etihad Stadium.
It has further been revealed Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain returned from a short holiday last week - with the Blues looking to make further advancements in the transfer window before jetting off to the United States on their pre-season tour in mid-July.
It is worth noting however, that the Premier League champions are yet to submit an official bid for Marc Cucurella, though confidence is rising amongst significant quarters that City will get their man should they match Brighton's asking price for the defender.
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It was reported recently that Manchester City are set to make their initial approach for Cucurella and have scheduled advanced talks over a prospective deal for the full-back in the coming days.
With four years remaining on his contract at the Amex, Manchester City will have to shell out a substantial fee on Cucurella, who has emerged as one of the brightest young full-backs in Europe following a breakthrough season in England.
There remains uncertainty looming around Oleksandr Zinchenko's future at the Etihad Stadium and an opportunity to play regular first-team football in midfield elsewhere could tempt the Ukraine international into pushing for an exit.
Topics: Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester City, Brighton And Hove Albion, Marc Cucurella, Premier League
Vayam Lahoti