Manchester United have submitted a proposal to sign Marc Cucurella on loan from Chelsea.
The Stamford Bridge side have responded to their Premier League rivals and talks are ongoing.
United’s offer is for an initial loan and the clubs are discussing various parameters around that.
The Spain international left-back is viewed at Old Trafford as a good fit for manager Erik ten Hag’s system and at present he is the top candidate.
Dialogue over the 25-year-old began after Luke Shaw suffered a muscle injury that is set to keep him out for an extended period, with alternative option Tyrell Malacia also on the sidelines.
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That leaves 20-year-old Alvaro Fernandez as United’s only recognised player for that position.
Cucurella has been an unused substitute in Chelsea’s first three matches of the new season. Ben Chilwell is ahead of him in the pecking order.
Diogo Dalot operated at left-back for United’s victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
(Photo: Dennis Bresser/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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David Ornstein joined The Athletic in October 2019 after 12 years as a sports journalist and correspondent at the BBC. In the role of Football Correspondent, he is responsible for producing exclusive and original stories and interviews, offering unique insight and analysis. He works across video, audio and the written word. Follow David on Twitter @David_Ornstein