Brighton ace 'hands in transfer request' as Manchester City consider walking away from deal

Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano broke the news on Twitter, saying: “Marc Cucurella has just handed in a transfer request at Brighton. No agreement between Manchester City and Brighton on the price, negotiations are difficult but still ongoing. #MCFC

“Final decision on clubs side expected soon as there's still a big gap in valuations.”

The Athletic has reported that the transfer request has not changed Brighton’s position on their valuation of Cucurella.

Earlier, the same outlet reported that City were close to walking away from a deal for the left-back after Albion insisted on receiving a £50million transfer fee for the Spaniard.

Pep Guardiola’s champions are reportedly willing to pay up to £40million for Cucurella, but that is the club’s upper-limit for the deal.

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City have already had a £30million bid for the 24-year-old rejected by the Seagulls.

Brighton are hopeful of finalising a deal equivalent to that of Ben White’s move to Arsenal.

The Athletic has also reported that Cucurella has spoken to manager Graham Potter and the Seagulls board. The defender has reportedly told them of his desire to move to Manchester.

Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, but City have become frustrated by Brighton’s demands and may seek alternative options at left-back.

Cucurella made 35 appearances for Brighton last season, following his £15m move from Getafe, and was named Albion’s player of the season.