Manchester United are expected to tie up a deal for Marc Cucurella and there is a chance he makes an early impact.
Spanish newspaper Marca has reported a deal between Manchester United and Chelsea could be agreed imminently.
Marc Cucurella has appeared as Manchester United’s top target at left-back, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia out injured.
United are seeking to agree a loan deal with Chelsea, with discussions ongoing over a fee.
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Marc Cucurella could be in squad immediately
Manchester United have a big game against Arsenal this weekend, and while the transfer deadline is 11pm on Friday, there is an earlier deadline to be aware of.
United need to register Cucurella by midday on Friday, in order for him to be eligible to make the squad against Arsenal.
ESPN expert Julien Laurens believes United will push for this. He told ESPN FC: “Yes this is the idea, he should be available for Sunday, there would be enough time, we know United have put an offer in, the loan fee.
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“Cucurella is clearly the number one for that position on loan. They don’t want to buy someone because at some point Shaw and Malacia are going to come back.
“I would expect him to be available for Sunday. Then it’s a different story if Ten Hag picks Dalot again or Cucurella. If he’s had one training session with the team, it may not be the best of ideas, but I expect him to be in the squad.”
Difficult match ahead
It would probably be preferable to have Cucurella as a substitute on Sunday. An away trip to Arsenal is not an ideal situation for a defensive player to make his debut.
Cucurella has not played a single minute this season for Chelsea, although he did make some appearances in pre-season.
Erik ten Hag will also be mindful of his mental state after his experience with Chelsea. Is he feeling brittle, hurt by criticism and the way it has panned out? Or is he feeling determined, with a point to prove?
Ten Hag’s assessment will shape how willing he is to throw Cucurella straight in this weekend, or treat the situation with a little more caution.