Mauricio Pochettino insists Marc Cucurella remains part of his plans for Chelsea this season (Picture: Hayters TV)

Mauricio Pochettino insists Marc Cucurella remains in his Chelsea plans this season amid speculation the left-back is set for a move to Manchester United.

The Spanish defender joined the Blues 12 months ago following an eye-watering £63million transfer from Brighton but has struggled to come anywhere close to justifying that fee.

United, meanwhile, are desperate for defensive reinforcements given the injuries suffered by Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Raphael Varane.
Talks between United and Chelsea began over the weekend and Erik ten Hag is hopeful a deal will be struck before the transfer deadline which is rapidly approaching.

Cucurella, meanwhile, was given a frosty reception by his own fans at Stamford Bridge last night as Chelsea advanced to the third round of the Carabao Cup where they will meet 25-year-old’s former club.

With no European football to look forward to this season, Pochettino is keen to streamline his squad still further but insisted he is, for now at least, still counting on Cucurella.

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