Newcastle plot cut price deal for Chelsea flop Marc Cucurella

Newcastle United have added Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella to their extensive wish list amid plans to add depth to the squad this summer.

According to the Mirror, the Magpies are plotting a cut-price deal for the Spanish defender following a massively underwhelming debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.

Cucurella arrived at West London in a big money £62 million move from Brighton & Hove Albion just last summer but has failed to live up to his staggering price tag.

With Chelsea looking to trim their bloated squad, the former Getafe man could be one of several players to exit the club this summer.

Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth was responsible for Cucurella’s transfer from Getafe to Brighton when he was technical director at the Amex Stadium.

Ashworth is interested in signing Cucurella again, and reports suggest Chelsea could accept around £30m for the defender, with new manager Mauricio Pochettino willing to let the Spaniard leave.

Chelsea are currently well-stocked at left-back. Ben Chilwell is the first choice, while Lewis Hall made a statement with his performances at left back during the latter stages of last season.

Ian Maatsen will also return to the Bridge following an impressive loan spell with Burnley, where he helped Vincent Kompany’s side secure a swift return to the Premier League with four goals and six assists in 39 Championship games.

Cucurella is not the only Chelsea player Newcastle have on their radar. The Tyneside outfit are also weighing up a move for Conor Gallagher, who is attracting interest from a host of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe also has a long-standing interest in Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney. The Scottish defender is reportedly frustrated by his limited playing time for the Gunners, with Mikel Arteta favouring Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Leicester City midfielder James Maddison is also on Newcastle’s shortlist, with the relegated Foxes demanding at least £40m for the England international.