Newcastle United may stand a good chance of landing transfer target Marc Cucurella from Chelsea as they may consider a loan deal.
That’s according to Graeme Bailey, who has claimed that Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth ‘loves’ the left-back, and that a loan deal, which could even see Chelsea cover some of his wages, may materialise this summer.
Cucurella is reportedly being eyed up alongside Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney as Eddie Howe aims to add a left sided defender to his squad, but Newcastle may now find it more difficult to sign the Scotland international following an injury to Jurrien Timber.
Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast, Bailey hinted that a loan may be very possible to secure Cucurella.
“Kieran Tierney is a long-term target, but the interesting one is Marc Cucurella. He was linked in January, Dan Ashworth loves this player,” he stated.
“If Cucurella wants out and Chelsea want him out and Newcastle are saying ‘we’ll take him, we won’t pay his full wages, but if you want him out, we’ll take him,’ it’s something Chelsea will consider.
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“Watch out for Tierney and Cucurella.”
Should Newcastle move for Cucurella?
If Newcastle want Cucurella, the best format of deal they could strike right now would be a loan, with reduced wages, and an option to buy included.
The Spaniard joined Chelsea from Brighton last year in a deal worth around £63m, but the 25-year-old struggled to settle in his first season at Stamford Bridge.
Ashworth knows Cucurella well, having helped bring him to Brighton from Getafe initially, and given his strong admiration for the player, Newcastle will be well placed to help him get back to his best.
If Cucurella does do well on loan, an option to buy can keep him at St James’ Park, in what could be a relatively risk-free deal, as Newcastle can move on next season if he fails to perform.
Whilst it may be argued that Tierney would be the better option, Cucurella could be a good signing, and a loan deal would represent superb business for Newcastle.