Brighton are expected to hold out for a fee of around £35m for left-back Marc Cucurella, according to reports in the English media.

Manchester City are believed to have joined Chelsea in pursuing the Spanish international, who has had an excellent first season in England, after arriving from Getafe for £15m last year.

Manager Pep Guardiola is said to be keen on strengthing his options on the left-hand side of defence. While Joao Cancelo has been excellent this season, City are reportedly looking for an alternative who can provide balance.

Cucurella was named Brighton’s Player of the Year earlier this month, and he has actually been playing in an unfamiliar left centre-back role in recent weeks, with manager Graham Potter opting to pick him out of position.

It hasn’t affected the 23-year-old’s performances, though, and that adaptability to play different positions will also make him an attractive signing for Guardiola.