Manchester City are set to increase their pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Marc Cucurella, according to The Sun.

The Lowdown: Ongoing negotiations

Oleksandr Zinchenko is closing in on a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal, and Pep Guardiola has been in the market for a suitable replacement, with his eyes being laid firmly on the 23-year-old for quite some time.

Football Insider reported in June that the Sky Blues had agreed personal terms with the Spanish defender and were in advanced talks to finalise a transfer, but a switch to the Etihad Stadium is yet to be completed.

The Latest: Man City going all-out for Cucurella

A report for The Sun claimed that City are ready to ‘step up’ their bid in the hunt for Cucurella, with Guardiola making a new left-back signing his ‘only priority’ this summer.

The source claimed that Brighton are ‘believed to want up to £50m’ for the 23-year-old, and whilst the English champions are ‘reluctant’ to go that high, Guardiola clearly isn’t giving up without a fight and looks like he is willing to do anything to secure his target’s services.

The Verdict: Quality at both ends

Cucurella enjoyed a hugely successful debut season at the Amex Stadium, and given his form, it’s no shock that City have identified him as a player at the top of their wish list.

The Spaniard, who was dubbed an ‘outstanding’ player by sports journalist Josh Bunting, averaged 2.7 tackles, 1.9 clearances and 1.2 key passes per game in the top flight for the Seagulls last term (via WhoScored), highlighting his qualities at both ends of the pitch.

City’s most recent arrival is Julian Alvarez, who returned from his loan at River Plate. However, if negotiations progress, Cucurella could be the next fresh face to come through the door at the Etihad in what would be a fantastic signing and a great addition to Guardiola’s starting XI.