Manchester City have emerged as the leading contenders to snap up Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella.  

The £50million-rated Spaniard, 23, impressed last term as Graham Potter's Seagulls finished a respectable ninth in the Premier League. 

Chelsea were believed to be in pole position for his signature as they look for competition for Ben Chilwell. 

England ace Chilwell returned to action on the final day of last term after suffering a serious knee injury in November.  

And with Marcos Alonso expected to depart this summer, he could soon be the only senior left-back in Thomas Tuchel's squad.

But the Blues may now have to look elsewhere as various sources suggest City appear set to prise Cucurella from the South Coast. 

He joined the Seagulls from Getafe last August and quickly established himself as a key component in Potter's first XI. 

Tarkowski sweet on Toffees

James Tarkowski has reportedly agreed to join Everton when his Burnley deal expires at the end of the month.

According to various sources, the Toffees have handed the 29-year-old centre-back a four-year deal.

He completed a medical and agreed personal terms at Goodison Park before heading off on holiday. 

In other news

Leeds are on the verge of sealing a deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca. 

The ex-Espanyol ace, 25, who made 24 appearances in two seasons for Bayern, is set to undergo a medical. 

West Ham are battling Newcastle to sign Alphonse Areola, according to the Sun. 

The Hammers want to snap up the Paris Saint-Germain keeper, 29, permanently after his impressive loan spell with the club last season. 

Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest are in talks to sign Mainz centre-back Moussa Niakhate, claim the Mail. 

The Mail also report that Newcastle are monitoring Burnley keeper Nick Pope, who has just a year left on his deal at Turf Moor.