Mauricio Pochettino has revealed he held talks with Marc Cucurella over his failed transfer to Manchester United this summer.

Cucurella was close to joining the Red Devils, who were in dire need of a left-back some weeks ago, only for the deal to fall through in the last minute.

There have been rumours the Spaniard could yet leave Stamford Bridge in January amid interest from many clubs, although that may no longer happen, seeing as Ben Chilwell has recently been ruled out of action until December.

Cucurella took part in Chelsea’s last two games against Brighton and Fulham, and was impressive on both occasions, and it now appears that Pochettino is considering handing the 25-year-old more minutes on the pitch.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Fulham, Pochettino revealed he had no part in the initial plans to sell Cucurella, and said he was now ready to hand him a lifeline back into his side’s starting XI.

“I don’t know because I wasn’t involved in this situation, that was more the sporting director, the [player’s] agent and the club,” Pochettino said on Cucurella’s near exit.

“After, when the transfer window closed, we were talking in my office.

“We were really clear about how I see and assess him and I listened to his feelings. Of course, it was a difficult time for him after he arrived from Brighton.

‘It was tough, not only for him, but many, many players.

“That’s why we need to give confidence and trust in him. He is our player and I think he was really good against Brighton on Wednesday playing on the right-hand side.

“I think he was doing well and I am so happy about his performance and commitment. That’s what we expect from our players.

“Now, it is about working, waiting for the opportunity and working really hard. It is a really clear situation, he is in our plan. If he deserves to play, he will play.”