‘Given the green light’ - Fabrizio Romano claims Man Utd are closing in on fourth summer arrival

Marc Cucurella has ‘given the green light’ on a move to Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils are in the market for a new left-back following the injury suffered by Luke Shaw last week, with the defender expected to be out for several months. With Tyrell Malacia also out and Alex Telles and Brandon Williams departing before Shaw’s injury, it means United’s only available left-back is the inexperienced Alvaro Fernandez.

As a result, there’s been a frantic scramble to bring in a left-sided defender in the final days of the market, and United have been linked with several prominent names, including Marcos Alonso, Nicolas Tagliafico and Sergio Reguilon. But it’s the approach for Cucurella that seems to be progressing quickest.

As per Romano, United have an ‘agreement in principle on personal terms with the player’. He adds Cucurella has indicated to United he would like to join the club, as the Red Devils focus on finalising terms with Chelsea, which will end their search for a left-back.

“They believe this is [a] good opportunity on [a] loan deal,” the journalist wrote in his Caught Offside blog. “Cucurella has always been super professional even when he wasn’t playing, but Man United is [a] big opportunity and so he already gave his green light.”

Meanwhile, The Athletic claim talks are ongoing between United and Chelsea, with ‘various parameters’ being discussed. “The Spain international left-back is viewed at Old Trafford as a good fit for manager Erik ten Hag's system and at present he is the top candidate,” the outlet added.

Cucurella hasn’t played yet this season for Chelsea, who paid £55m to sign him from Brighton & Hove Albion just over a year ago. The 25-year-old played 33 times for the Blues last season, but has fallen behind Ben Chilwell in the pecking order at left-back.

Mauricio Pochettino claimed on Tuesday that Cucurella is available for the midweek Carabao Cup clash against Wimbledon, yet if the former Getafe man is missing from Wednesday’s squad it could be an indication he is on the way out of Stamford Bridge.

"I cannot talk about suppositions or rumours," Pochettino said. "For tomorrow he is going to be able to play. The club did not communicate to me.

"All of the players in the squad are in our plans. It's about situations, players and club, club and players. All of the players that are in our squad are in our plans even if they didn't play at the moment."