Report: Man City Marc Cucurella alternative could be available for as little as €5m (£4.2m)

Manchester City might have found some bargaining power in their bid to sign Brighton full-back Marc Cucurella as Alex Grimaldo, the new name on many’s mind as the search for a fullback continues could be available for as little as €5m (£4.2m).

With Oleksandr Zinchenko on his way to Arsenal, Manchester City will be in the market for another left-back this summer.

Manchester City and Guardiola have reportedly identified Brighton & Hove Albion’s Marc Cucurella’s as their preferred replacement.

As it stands, though, it appears that City have little intention of meeting Brighton’s asking price, said to be in the region of £50m.

The club have been linked with a move for Alex Grimaldo from Benfica in recent days. It was claimed Pep Guardiola’s side see the 26-year-old as an alternative to Marc Cucurella.

According to Portuguese outlet Record (as per Sport Witness), Benfica are willing to let Alex Grimaldo go for between €5m and €7m.

They add that the player is entering the last of the year of his contract and has fallen out of favour with both the club and the fans.

As the report, City have not had contact, but many expect a deal could be completed soon and quickly if Marc Cucurrella is seen as too rich for City.

This means City have been presented with the chance to sign the 26-year-old for a cut-price fee. Brighton have held all the cards during negotiations over Cucurella as they know City are in desperate need of a left-back, but this revelation might just make Graham Potter’s side think twice about playing hardball with City.

We will see if movement is done here, but he is a very intriguing option who won’t break the bank or cause squad friction.