Mauricio Pochettino has already dropped Manchester United transfer hint amid Marc Cucurella interest

Mauricio Pochettino could be willing to let Marc Cucurella leave Chelsea with Ian Maatsen viewed as alternative cover for Ben Chilwell.

Manchester United want to sign a left-back before Friday's transfer deadline after Luke Shaw was ruled out for up to two months. MEN Sport revealed that Cucurella, as well as Tottenham's Sergio Reguilon, are on a shortlist of players they've thought about.

Cucurella was a big-money signing from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer for the Blues but has struggled for form. He is yet to start in the Premier League for Chelsea this season with Chiwell preferred.

Speaking in pre-season, Pochettino openly discussed about his options at left-back, hinting he had too many. Lewis Hall has since left and joined Newcastle United but there are still three players vying for two spots.

Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN's dedicated Manchester United FC app packed with premium features? Click here .

READ MORE: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag drops transfer hint ahead of deadline day

Maatsen enjoyed a standout campaign on loan at Burnley last season, helping Vincent Kompany's side secure the title and promotion to the Premier League. The Clarets were keen on turning the move permanent but the Dutchman has since forged his way into Chelsea's squad and was on the bench during their win over Luton on Friday night.

It has raised the prospect of Cucarella departing and Pochettino spoke about trimming down his options in that position in pre-season, a process that started with the departure of Hall.

"At the moment he [Cucurella] is okay, he is good," he said last month. "All of the players start from zero. It's about competing. We have him and Chilly also, and