Signing the Spurs defender is an easier deal to pull off (Pictures: Getty Images)
Manchester United have cooled talks with Chelsea over left-back Marc Cucurella and are now exploring a move for Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon instead, according to reports.
The Red Devils are looking to bring in emergency left-back cover before Friday’s transfer window deadline, with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined until the backend of the year.
United opened discussions over a loan deal for Cucurella over the weekend but were taken aback when the west Londoners demanded a fee of £7million.
They had been hoping to pay around £2m for the season-long loan, though it had been suggested they were getting closer to reaching a compromise and were prepared to take on Cucurella’s salary in full.
However, The Athletic are now reporting that a move for the Spaniard may be in danger of falling through.
Although a deal does still remain in play at this stage, Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to field Cucurella in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon – which means he is now cup-tied – plus the fee still being demanded has prompted United to reexamine other targets.
The Red Devils compiled a shortlist of several left-backs over the weekend and made contact with a host of clubs, with the idea being to tee up several deals before pulling the trigger.
Reguilon would jump at the chance to join United (Picture: Getty)
They made contact with Spurs about signing out-of-favour defender Reguilon, while Barcelona’s Marcos Alonso and former Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico have also been approached.
Reguilon is now emerging as the most likely alternative to Cucurella and United’s hierarchy are now actively exploring the logistics of a deal and whether to divert their attention to the former Real Madrid man.
Tottenham are expected to demand a far smaller loan fee which would then allow United to also pursue a loan for Sofyan Amrabat, with the club currently walking a very fine line to stay within financial fair play limits.
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Reguilon has not played for Spurs this season and has not featured for the club since 2022, having spent the previous campaign on loan at Atletico Madrid.
He only made 12 appearances under Diego Simeone and his playing time was hampered by injuries, but he is a player United have liked for some time and actually tried to sign him when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge three years ago.
In the end, United opted to sign Alex Telles to offer cover and competition for Luke Shaw and Reguilon moved to Spurs, though he now finds himself behind Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies in the pecking order.
MORE : Mauricio Pochettino provides transfer update on Manchester United target Marc Cucurella
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A deal for the Chelsea defender is proving to be too expensive.