Reliable journalist Pol Ballus of The Athletic has now shared a major update on Manchester City and their chase for Brighton star Marc Cucurella.

The Lowdown: Guardiola sets sights on Cucurella...

After clinching a fourth Premier League crown in five seasons last month, Sky Blues head coach Pep Guardiola has now set his sights on the transfer window, and a real summer of change could be on the cards at Eastlands.

City's 3-2 smash-and-grab final day victory over Aston Villa sealed one of the most dramatic title wins in English football a month ago as Guardiola's men came back from 2-0 down with three goals in five minutes late on.

However, some members of that pivotal team may well be on the way out as exit links surround the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus and final day hero Ilkay Gundogan (The Times). Even one of City's best players of the 2021/22 season, Bernardo Silva, is being heavily courted by Barcelona.

In terms of incomings, it is reliably believed that Cucurella of Brighton is a major target for Guardiola, who is looking to add more balance down the left channel.

The Latest: City talks imminent...

According to Ballus of The Athletic, City's talks for the Spaniard are set to begin 'within days', and fellow reporter Andy Naylor of the same publication anticipates 'hair-raising' negotiations.

Ballus explained: "Talks to start within days. Brighton to ask £50m-plus. City expecting to negotiate, or will walk away. Chelsea expected on the mix too. Cucurella more seduced by City."

The Verdict: Get it done...

While £50m would be a heavy price to pay for sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, we believe that City should grant Guardiola his wish and make a move for the Brighton defender.

Cucurella dazzled at the Amex Stadium last season, finishing as their second-best regular starter by average match rating, with only star midfielder Yves Bissouma outdoing him (WhoScored).

The marauding full-back, who has been called 'sensational' by members of the media (Josh Bunting, Islington Gazette), also put in some memorable outings, perhaps most notably against City's arch-rivals Manchester United.

Former top-flight goalkeeper Paddy Kenny raved to Football Insider over Cucurella's relentless performance against the Red Devils, even claiming the ex-Getafe man 'tore them apart' in the Seagulls' 4-0 win last month.

Still just 23 years old, the Spaniard could be a real fixture in Guardiola's starting XI for many years to come.

In other news: Club already preparing to lose 'very special' star with Man City agreement possible...find out more here.