Cucurella 'eyeing January exit' with 'Real Madrid monitoring his situation'

Marc Cucurella's time at Chelsea could come to an end in January, with reports suggesting the Spaniard is keen on an exit from Stamford Bridge in the next transfer window.

The 25-year-old has not played a single game of the new Premier League season with reports suggesting Manchester United had been keen on signing him this summer as cover for injured Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

United ultimately opted to sign Sergio Regullon on loan from Tottenham after talks with Chelsea over a deal for Cucurella stalled.

The full-back, who's only appearance for the club this season came during their 2-1 EFL Cup win against AFC Wimbledon, is now 'eyeing up an exit in January' according to The Sun.

The outlet claims that the defender was left 'gutted' after his move to Old Trafford broke down and state that he could move back to Spain on loan, with 'Real Madrid quietly monitoring his situation.'

Cucurella made 33 appearances for the club across all competitions last season, but is ready to leave the Blues amid uncertainty over how much game time he will receive under new manager Pochettino.

He joined Chelsea in 2022 in a £62million deal from Brighton, but has endured a difficult 12-months in south London.

The defender's house was also burgled shortly after he arrived at the club.

Cucurella had also suffered a soft tissue injury that sidelined him for the final seven games of the 2022-23 season.

The Blues, meanwhile, are set to take on his former club, Brighton, in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, and Cucurella could be called into action for that match.

It would be only his second appearance in a Chelsea shirt so far during the new campaign.

Cucurella's contract at Stamford Bridge is set to expire in 2028, with Newcastle having also shown an interest in signing him during the summer.