Manchester City to make opening bid for Brighton's Marc Cucurella

Manchester City are to make their opening offer for Brighton wing-back Marc Cucurella.

The former Barcelona junior is open to joining Pep Guardiola but the deal will hinge on Brighton’s valuation.

The south coast side value Cucurella at close to £50million and that could prove too high for City who would be prepared to consider alternatives.

Chelsea are also monitoring developments with the 23-year-old on their wishlist.

Cucurella joined Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy when Guardiola was in charge of the Catalan club.

He played two seasons at Getafe before joining Brighton, where he won their player of the year award. Albion chief Tony Bloom is unlikely to budge on his asking price, having already cashed in on midfielder Yves Bissouma this week, who joined Tottenham.

They stood firm last summer when demanding £50m for Ben White, who joined Arsenal.

City are weighing up former academy coach Enzo Maresca to fill the vacant position as Guardiola’s assistant.

Former No 2 Juanma Lillo departed last week to join Qatari club Al-Saad as manager. Maresca, once a West Brom player, headed up City’s Under 23 side before joining Serie A side Parma.