Man Utd given intriguing transfer update on £62m target as rival boss offers verdict

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino insists Marc Cucurella is still part of his plans at Stamford Bridge despite reports linking the player with a move to Manchester United. The defender played 90 minutes as the Blues came from behind to defeat AFC Wimbledon 2-1 in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

United have been linked with a loan move for Cucurella, with reports Chelsea are demanding a staggering loan fee of £7m. The Red Devils are said to be prepared to pay the player’s wages but feel the current asking price for the loan fee is excessive.

Pochettino was asked about the possibility of Cucurella moving to United but insisted the defender is a part of his plans for this season until the club tells him otherwise.

He said: “I don’t know anything (about Cucurella). All the players that are involved every day on the training ground with us are in our plans. Then, things happen, it’s the decision of both the club and the player, and if something happens in the next few days, we will communicate to you.”

The 25-year-old from Spain joined Chelsea for £55million from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer, with the potential for the deal to rise to £62million.

United have been exploring deals for left-backs following an injury to Luke Shaw, with fears the player could be ruled out for up to three months. The club have not revealed an exact timeline for the player’s return while the nature of his muscle injury has not been revealed.

Mason Mount has also picked up an injury and ahead of United’s win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Ten Hag said of the pair: “Luke will be longer than Mason. It’ll also take a few weeks before Tyrell [Malacia] will be back. Definitely we have the solutions in our squad to cope with that. You hope to avoid this scenario but if it happens you have to be ready for it.”