Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has refused to be drawn on the club’s interest in Brighton fullback Marc Cucurella.

The Spanish international has reportedly handed in a transfer request in an attempt to force through a move to the Etihad. However, while Guardiola admitted that the Citizens could do with strengthening their options on the left-hand side of defence, he didn’t want to pass comment on Cucurella:

“He’s a Brighton player. I cannot say anything else. If it’s possible [to strengthen we will] but if not, we stay with the players we have.”

Brighton are said to be holding out for £50m, and it remains to be seen whether their stance will soften now Cucurella has formally made a request to leave.

Chelsea and Tottenham were both linked with the 23-year-old earlier in the summer but neither team has stepped up their interest, which strengthens City’s hand somewhat. It is believed that the Premier League champions will go as high as £40m so, if Brighton don’t compromise, they may move on to other targets pretty soon.