Brighton defender Marc Cucurella has handed in a transfer request in a bid to push through a move to Manchester City.
Sky Sports News understands the development has not changed Brighton’s stance on remaining firm in their valuation of the 24-year-old.
The Seagulls have rejected a £30m bid for the full-back from Premier League defender City and value the Spaniard at £50m.
Cucurella enjoyed a highly successful first season in the Premier League after joining from Getafe in a deal worth around £15m last summer and was named Brighton’s Player of the Season .
Brighton do not want to let Cucurella go and it would take a big offer to sell him, as he has four years left on his contract at the Amex. However, the left-back has now pressed for a move asking to be sold.
Image: How Cucurella compares to other City full-backs
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has announced his interest in signing a left-back but refused to give the latest update on Cucurella’s future.
“If possible, yes [we want to sign a left-back]” Guardiola told a press conference ahead of City’s Community Shield game against Liverpool on Saturday.
“But if not, we stay. joao [Cancelo] can play there Josh [Wilson-Esbrand] and Nathan [Ake, too]. I never complain about the squad I’ve had since the first season. What the club can do is benefit the club, not me.”
When asked specifically about Cucurella, Guardiola said: “He’s a Brighton player, I can’t say anything else.”
The municipal coach has also announced that defender Aymeric Laporte will be sidelined until September after undergoing knee surgery.
Potter: Unless the clubs agree, there’s nothing to say
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Speaking about transfer rumors for Neal Maupay and Marc Cucurella, Graham Potter says that until the players and clubs agree terms on the transfers, it is just speculation.
Brighton manager Graham Potter told Sky Sports News this week that while he respects the idea that players like Cucurella have career ambitions and families to think about, it is not worth talking about a move for the his left back until the two clubs can agree a fee. .
“You can talk and respond all you want to suggestions from the media, but until there’s something the clubs and the player agree on, there’s nothing to say,” Potter told Sky Sports News.
“Guys know it’s part of life and the noise around football, certainly at this level. You can only control what you can control. It’s part of life and it’s as simple as that.
“They are human beings, while the window is open, chances can happen. That’s for all players, you have to respect that they have families, careers, ambitions and things like that.
“At the same time, you know it’s part of the game and something they have to deal with. We just have to focus on the next practice and game. It’s the only thing they can do.”
Carra: left side the problematic position under Pep
Jamie Carragher says Man City have not lacked an “excellent” left-back during Guardiola’s time in charge, but that Cucurella would offer good competition if he moved to the Etihad.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, the former Liverpool defender said: “I think Man City have always, since Pep has been there, lacked a really outstanding left-back. It’s always been the position where they’ve had different players at different levels.times.
“You’re never sure who’s playing there every week, where you know it’s Kyle Walker playing at right-back. [Joao] Cancelo has come in and been as good as anyone, but I’m sure Pep would like a left foot.
Image: Guardiola has spent more than £225 million on full-backs
“Zinchenko has moved to Arsenal, so when you ask ‘is it worth it’, Man City usually spend £40m-£50m on full-backs. They have notoriously done that since Pep came in and they like anyone transfer and what you pay, if you play. well, you think it’s worth it.
“He looks like a classy operator when you see him in a Brighton shirt. He plays a similar type of football to Manchester City in possession so I’m sure he’ll be a good signing.
“It’s something Man City possibly need now with Zinchenko moving forward and having a bit more competition for Cancelo, who can then provide competition at the other end for Walker.”
Image: Cucurella was among Brighton’s best performers
Man City Matches: West Ham visit live on Sky Sports
Manchester City begin their Premier League title defense with a visit to West Ham on Sunday 7 August, with the game live on Sky Sports.
The first Manchester derby of the season is at the Etihad on October 1, before City travel to Liverpool on October 15.
The champions’ final game before the season goes on hiatus for the winter World Cup is at home to Brentford on November 12 and when the campaign resumes they face Leeds at Elland Road on Boxing.
City have a tough start to 2023 with back-to-back tough-looking fixtures at Chelsea and Manchester United on January 2 and 14 respectively.
As the campaign draws to a close, Pep Guardiola’s side have their return meeting with Liverpool at the Etihad on April 1 and then host Chelsea on May 20, before concluding at Brentford on the 28 of May
Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports
Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 10 and closes at 11pm on September 1?
Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumors on our dedicated Transfer Hub blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the details, fixtures and analysis on Sky Sports News.