Brighton hints on Brandon Williams chase

Brighton & Hove Albion could turn their attentions to Manchester United youngster Brandon Williams, should Marc Cucurella join Manchester City this summer.

Seagulls boss Graham Potter is eyeing a move for the 21-year-old to fill the void that could be left by Cucurella with the Premier League champions still chasing the Spaniard.

City have failed to match Brighton’s minimum £50 million valuation for Cucurella so far, but it’s likely that they will end up capturing his signature.

Cucurella, who was signed for £15 million from La Liga side Getafe last summer, has only one year into his five-year deal at the Amex Stadium.

Jesus and Zinchenko have both made the switch from Man City, and are amongst five new signings at Arsenal

Potter is therefore reluctant to allow the 24-year-old to leave, but is acceptance of the possibility, according to The Mirror.

Although Brighton are hopeful of keeping Cucurella after rejecting City’s opening £30million offer.

The Spain international made 35 appearances for Brighton last season, following his £15m move from Getafe. He signed a five year contract, and the Seagulls have ambitions to hold onto their man for a little while longer – unless City stump up.

City and Brighton entered negotiations after the former sold Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal for £32m, with the Ukrainian leaving the Etihad after six years with the Citizens.

If City do manage to snap up Cucurella, Brighton will then be forced into signing a new full-back with Williams high on the list of potential targets.

Williams, who spent last season on loan at relegated Norwich, is highly regarded at Old Trafford after coming through the youth system.

He broke into the first-team at United during the 2019-20 season, where he played 36 games and followed that with 14 games the following season which included a debut in the Champions League.

The youngster’s hopes of regular game time now look slim with the arrival of Tyrell Malacia in a £14.7 deal with Feyenoord.

The new 22-year-old signing is expected to be battling for the starting left-back position with England international Luke Shaw this season.

Alex Telles is also another option in that position, leaving Williams way down the pecking order under new boss Erik ten Hag.