Marc Cucurella already seems rather keen on a move to Manchester City, and the deal could be made even sweeter as a perfect squad number is waiting for him.

City got their summer transfer window off to a barnstorming start by adding the world’s best young striker in Erling Haaland to their Premier League-winning squad.

Pep Guardiola has recruited the near-guaranteed goal outlet that his side was lacking, but the manager doesn’t appear to be done there.

In a comparatively busy window, the Blues are also targeting a defensive-midfielder to offset the departure of captain Fernandinho and are also looking to finally sign a natural left-back.

It’s a position City have struggled with over the years, with several players having to fill in the gap.

Last season, Joao Cancelo had an amazing campaign on his unnatural flank, and Aleks Zinchenko also continued to play well.

But with Benjamin Mendy suspended by the club, there are no natural left-back options available to Guardiola.

That’s something the club is looking to address, and Brighton’s Cucurella — who enjoyed a brilliant debut season in England — appears to be the top target.

The 23-year-old was asked directly about the possibility of a switch and, though he denied being in contact with Guardiola, he didn’t rule out making the move.

“The goal [at Brighton] was to develop so the big clubs could take notice,” he told Jijantes. But if an opportunity arises, you have to take advantage of it.

“There are teams that you can’t say no to. No, sincerely no [Guardiola has not called]. Of course, there are rumours. If people are talking like this about you, it’s a good thing. We’re calm; the most important thing right now is to rest. "

If Cucurella moved to Manchester, he could even be handed an ideal squad number too.

Though the No.3 he wears at the Seagulls is currently occupied by Ruben Dias, the No.15 he sported for three years at Getafe, as well as at Barcelona B, is available.

It hasn’t been worn at the Etihad since Eliaquim Mangala left the club in 2019 and was previously worn by the likes of Jesus Navas, Martin Petrov, Sylvain Distin and Alf-Inge Haaland.