Manchester United in talks with Chelsea over Marc Cucurella loan deal

Manchester United have opened talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for Marc Cucurella as they seek to sign a left-back before Friday's transfer deadline.

United have been looking to sign a left-back on a short-term deal after Luke Shaw picked up a muscle injury in training last week that is set to keep him sidelined for at least two months, while Tyrell Malacia has missed all of pre-season with an injury and isn't expected back for another few weeks.

Cucurella has emerged as their preferred option, with the 25-year-old out of favour at Chelsea, having been an unused substitute in all three Premier League games this season. Mauricio Pochettino has twice brought on 21-year-old Ian Maatsen ahead of the Spaniard so far this season.

Chelsea signed Cucurella for £55million last summer but the former Brighton full-back, who was wanted by Manchester City in the same window, has struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge.

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Discussions are now taking place to find a deal that suits both clubs, with United to pay a loan fee to take the Spaniard. Talks will also centre on the length of any deal and whether it is a season-long loan or just until the January window, when Shaw and Malacia are likely to be back in action. Chelsea could also seek to include an option to buy in any deal.

United have also looked at Tottenham's Sergio Reguilon and Lyon's Nicolas Tagliafico as options to cover Shaw. Tagliafico played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, but the 30-year-old, who was the subject of transfer interest from his former club earlier this month, has been starting in Ligue 1 this season.

Ten Hag used Diogo Dalot as a makeshift left-back in the win against Nottingham Forest on