Man City set to beat Chelsea to signing of Spanish defender

Manchester City are reportedly ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion defender Marc Cucurella.

The Spain international had an excellent debut season with the Seagulls last term. He was voted as their Player of the Year.

Ahead of the summer, he has already been linked with a big-club move, and El Desmarque claims that City are set to sign him.

Brighton landed Cucurella from Getafe for just £16m last year. It is reported that they will sanction his sale for around £30m.

The news will come as a big blow for the Blues, who had earmarked the Spaniard as a potential replacement for Marcos Alonso.

Alonso has been tipped to leave for Barcelona this summer. The Blues could block his departure until they find a suitable replacement.

Meanwhile, the club face a similar situation on the opposite end with Cesar Azpilicueta pushing for an exit after his decade-long stay.

Chelsea have been linked with Barcelona's Sergino Dest lately.