Chelsea are still open to selling Marc Cucurella in January but Premier League rivals Manchester United are reportedly ‘unlikely’ to renew their interest in the £62 million benchwarmer.
As Sergio Reguilon lined up at the Allianz Arena in last week’s Champions Leauge opener, Marc Cucurella could have been forgiven for turning a deep shade of green and muttering something along the lines of ‘that should’ve been me!’.
According to The Sun, Cucurella is ‘gutted’ about his failed late-summer switch to Manchester United. The former Brighton and Hove Albion flyer even agreed personal terms with Erik ten Hag’s side, the deal only collapsing after Chelsea refused to accept the inclusion of a ‘break clause’ in Cucurella’s contract.
One which would have allowed United to send the poodle-haired left-back back to Stamford Bridge in January, once Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia return from injury.
Marc Cucurella misses out on Manchester United chance
Reguilon arrived instead. And while United have been burned before by bright starts from loan players – Wout Weghorst anyone? – the Tottenham-owned defender is doing his hopes of a permanent contract no harm at all. United’s stand-out player against Bayern and excellent vs Burnley on Saturday evening.
Reguilon has already made more appearances since moving to Manchester than Cucurella has all season.
The seldom-seen Spaniard played the full 90 minutes as Chelsea defeated his old employers Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round.
A positive display in an unfamiliar right-back role is unlikely to resuscitate Cucurella’s dying Chelsea career, however; ESPN reporting that Mauricio Pochettino’s side are still open to offers ahead of the winter window.