Manchester United Reportedly Shift Focus to Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon for Left-Back Cover
Manchester United’s pursuit of left-back cover has taken a new turn, with reports suggesting that the club has cooled talks with Chelsea over Marc Cucurella and is now exploring a move for Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon instead. The Red Devils are in need of emergency left-back cover, as both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are sidelined until the end of the year.
United had opened discussions with Chelsea over a loan deal for Cucurella, but were surprised when the west London club demanded a fee of £7 million. The Red Devils had hoped to pay around £2 million for a season-long loan, but negotiations were reportedly getting closer to reaching a compromise, with United prepared to take on Cucurella’s salary in full. However, a move for the Spaniard may now be in danger of falling through.
Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to field Cucurella in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon, which means he is now cup-tied, and the fee still being demanded by Chelsea have prompted United to reexamine other targets. The club had compiled a shortlist of several left-backs and made contact with a host of clubs, including Tottenham, Barcelona, and former Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico.
Reguilon is now emerging as the most likely alternative to Cucurella, and United’s hierarchy is actively exploring the logistics of a deal and whether to divert their attention to the former Real Madrid man. Tottenham are expected to demand a far smaller loan fee for Reguilon, which would then allow United to also pursue a loan for Sofyan Amrabat. The club is currently walking a fine line to stay within financial fair play limits.
Reguilon has not played for Spurs this season and has not featured for the club since 2022, as he spent the previous campaign on loan at Atletico Madrid. Although his playing time was hampered by injuries, he is a player that United have liked for some time and actually tried to sign when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge three years ago. In the end, United opted to sign Alex Telles as cover and competition for Luke Shaw, while Reguilon moved to Spurs. However, he now finds himself behind Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies in the pecking order.
With the transfer window deadline approaching, United will need to act quickly to secure a left-back before Friday. The club is under pressure to strengthen the squad and provide adequate cover for the injured Shaw and Malacia. Reguilon’s potential arrival would provide much-needed depth and competition in the left-back position, giving United more options and flexibility in defense.
As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether United can strike a deal with Tottenham for Reguilon or if they will need to explore other alternatives. The clock is ticking, and United will be hoping to secure a left-back before the transfer window closes.