Brighton hope to keep Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella after turning down Manchester City's £30m bid

Brighton are hopeful of keeping Marc Cucurella after rejecting City's opening £30m offer.

Though Cucurella - who turned 24 on Friday - is keen on a potential switch north, City are some distance from meeting Brighton's £50m valuation.

It means the Seagulls remain optimistic that their star defender will remain on their books for the start of the Premier League season in a fortnight's time.

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.

The Spanish fullback, who won an Olympic silver medal with his nation last year, is adept with the ball at his feet, and able to provide assistance in the final third when Brighton offer him the chance to get forward. He scored his first goal for the Seagulls in May's 4-0 win over Manchester United.

Cucurella also won the Players' Player of the Season award at Brighton, so it is likely that his colleagues would be disappointed if the 24-year-old was tempted away by City's offer of Champions League football.

City's only recognised left-back is Joao Cancelo, so they will be keen for another - which ultimately leaves Brighton able to drive up the price, as they have no need to sell.