Marc Cucurella has played down talk of a call from Manchester City to join the Premier League champions.

But the Albion star has recognised he has progressed as a player since moving from Getafe last summer.

The newly-crowned player of the year was briefly quizzed while on holiday back home in Spain.

Cucurella has been speculatively linked with interest from Manchester City.

But, asked whether there had been a call from City boss Pep Guardiola, he replied: “No, no, honestly, no.”

Cucurella told Gerard Romero, a popular presenter and media personality in Catalonia: “I went to this team (Albion) to progress.”

Further pressed on possible City interest, he added: “If an opportunity comes you have to take it. There are things or teams to which you can’t say no.”

But, in what appeared to be quite a light-hearted exchange, he recognised it was early to be talking about a move to the champions.

Cucurella said he had heard “rumours” of interest but was concentrating on enjoying a summer break.

He said: “We are relaxed here and the important thing is to rest.”

City are thought to be looking for a left-back but Barcelona-based LaLigaTV analyst Andrea Orlandi, the former Albion midfielder, believes the key for Cucurella now is to build on his sensational debut season in the Prem.

Orlandi said: “I wouldn’t rush leaving Brighton, to be honest.

BOBBY ZAMORA SAYS BRIGHTON SHOULD TARGET EUROPE

“The second season is the hardest one when you get to the UK so let’s see if he can maintain that level next season. He has done great.”

Albion are in a strong position given Cucurella is under contract with them until June, 2026.