Brighton ‘end Marc Cucurella talks with Man City’ despite left-back’s transfer request and stick to £50m asking price

MANCHESTER CITY’S pursuit of Marc Cucurella has come to an abrupt end after Brighton ended negotiations, according to reports.

Cucurella has been extensively linked with the Premier League champions this window over a possible transfer.

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However, it now seems a deal could be dead in the water after Brighton took issue with Man City’s negotiation tactics coming down to small incremental increases in their offer.

The Athletic report Brighton will now only come back to the negotiating table if City submit an offer which meets their valuation of the player.

They have told Pep Guardiola’s side to cough up at least £50million in order to sign the defender, but the latest bid came in at just £30m.

Brighton are under no extra pressure to sell the player despite the Spaniard handing in a transfer request on Friday in order to try and push a move through as talks stalled.

The Seagulls signed Cucurella from La Liga outfit Getafe last summer for £15m, and could more than treble their money if City meet their valuation.

Cucurella won the club’s Player of the Year award following his dazzling displays last season.

The 24-year-old typically operated as a left wing-back last season, but was also deployed as a left-sided centre-back in Graham Potter’s back three when needed.

The club are said to value him as a rarer and better talent than former academy star Ben White, who was sold to Arsenal for £50m last summer.

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City will face off against Liverpool in the Community Shield later today.

The game could see debuts for new signings Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Julian Alvarez.