West London giants Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign Brighton and Hove Albion left-back Marc Cucurella this summer, thus hijacking a move by Premier League champions Manchester City.
The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a move to the Cityzens in recent months, as Pep Guardiola eyes the addition of a left-back to his squad following the departure of Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal.
However, the Seagulls reluctance to lower their £50 million valuation of the 24-year-old, has jeopardised a potential switch and that has forced Cucurella to hand in a transfer request in a bid to accelerate a move to the Etihad.
Manchester City are believed to be unwilling to offer more than £40 million for the Catalan and are now exploring alternative options to bolster the left-back position.
After winning back-to-back league titles without a natural left-back, Guardiola is keen on addressing an area of the squad that has needed strengthening for a couple of years.
Brighton have ended talks over Marc Cucurella with Manchester City and will only entertain bids upwards of £50 million for the former Getafe man.
It remains to be seen what lies ahead for Cucurella, who still has four years remaining on his current contract at the Amex Stadium.
Apex Football News 