Albion are expected to see their transfer market resolve tested again – by a Manchester City bid for Marc Cucurella.

The Seagulls have driven a hard bargain to secure what is likely to eventually be more than £30 million for midfielder Yves Bissouma, who is heading to Tottenham.

The Argus understands one of Cucurella’s representatives flew to Manchester last week.

His trip from Madrid is thought to have been in relation to Cucurella and has increased speculation in his homeland about a possible move to the Etihad.

City director of football Txiki Begiristain, who would handle any deal, returned to work last week after a short holiday at the end of the Premier League season.

There is no suggestion of a bid as yet from City and Albion are developing a reputation for being tough negotiators.

But it appears clear Cucurella is of interest to Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff.

Cucurella has four years left on his current deal and would command a far higher fee than Bissouma, who was heading for his final season.

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Unlike the Mali international, who took time to make an impact, Cucurella slotted in quickly to Prem football and did not miss a single minute of action in his debut season.

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As is widely recognised, Albion have no need or wish to see star players go.

But City have the financial muscle to make an offer which would be nonsensical to turn down if Guardiola rates his fellow Catalan so highly.