FULL AGREEMENT: Man Utd reach ‘agreement in principle’ with superstar Chelsea defender as Luke shaw replacement

FULL AGREEMENT: Man Utd reach ‘agreement in principle’ with superstar Chelsea defender as Luke shaw replacement

Manchester United have reached an ‘agreement in principle’ with Chelsea for Marc Cucurella, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Luke Shaw’s muscular injury, which will reportedly cause him to miss ‘a number of weeks’, has left Erik ten Hag in dire need of a new left-back.

For Saturday’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest, United deployed right-footed Diogo Dalot on the left-hand flank, with Alvaro Fernandez is another option after his impressive loan spell at Preston North End last season.

But the Red Devils have identified Cucurella as their priority target, who has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge, with the 25-year-old yet to play a single minute this season.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag is thought to be a long-term admirer of the Spaniard ever since Ajax took on Cucurella’s old side Getafe in the Europa League in February 2020.

Transfer expert Romano has now confirmed that an agreement ‘in principle’ has been reached with Chelsea for the Spaniard and ‘won’t negotiate’ for anyone else before Fridays deadline.

“Understand Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with Cucurella on personal terms,” Romano tweeted. “Green light arrived on player side.

“Man United won’t negotiate for any other left back now — as they want to get Cucurella deal done with Chelsea ASAP.”

Sky Sports reporter claims Raphael Varane could miss extended period through injury

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane could miss an extended period of time through injury, it has been reported.

Varane suffered the injury during United’s 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and had to be withdrawn from play at half time.

The Frenchman’s injury adds to a growing list of defensive concerns for manager Erik ten Hag, with left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both currently recovering from injuries.

Despite injury concerns of his own last season, however, Varane has started each of United’s first three Premier League games, scoring against Wolves on the opening week of the season.

But the former Real Madrid star could be set for another extended period on the sidelines, according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.

Solhekol has reported that Varane could miss up to six weeks of action following his injury against Forest.

He adds that United have decided to keep Harry Maguire at the club, despite interest from other clubs, due to the injury, meaning the England international could make a surprise return to the side while the Frenchman recovers.

Maguire has been an unused substitute for fixtures against Wolves and Forest this season, while he missed the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham through injury.

It was Victor Lindelof that was preferred by Ten Hag as Varane’s replacement at half time against Forest, with Maguire remaining on the bench.

Solhekol explained: “As far as Harry Maguire’s concerned, he is not going to West Ham. One of the reasons, we are being told, is because of the injury to Raphael Varane.

“He could potentially be out for up to six weeks, which would make it clear why United wouldn’t want to let Harry Maguire go, especially on loan.”

United have been linked with a move for a centre-back, with reports in France last week claiming that they were closing in on a deal for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo