Manchester City are stepping up plans to sign Brighton defender Marc Cucurella.

The Spanish defender has been linked with the Premier League champions throughout the summer, with manager Pep Guardiola making him a top target.

A transfer could speed up now as City will sell Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal and will be in need of a replacement which was confirmed by Pep Guardiola.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano is reporting: "Manchester City are finally set to open official talks with Brighton for Marc Cucurella, bid is coming.

"Full verbal agreement almost reached on personal terms.

"Cucurella, always been Pep's priority this summer and City will now push after selling Zinchenko."