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Man City, Man United and Aston Villa “have all made enquiries” for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, according to reports in the Catalan media.
Mundo Deportivo claim that the Premier League trio have yet to table formal bids, but they do hold a “longstanding interest” in the defender.
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For his part, Balde has made it clear that he wants to stay at Camp Nou. He is a first-team regular under head coach Hansi Flick, although injuries have meant that he has been limited to 18 league starts this season.
The 22-year-old’s strong friendship with Lamine Yamal is another factor that indicates he would not consider leaving the La Liga champions.
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Barcelona’s financial situation can’t be ignored
While both Balde and his club are happy for him to stay, it is believed that a sale would still be considered under certain circumstances.
Money remains tight at Barca, and if they receive a high enough bid for the Spanish international, they would have to consider it, although the player may still not be keen on leaving.
Man City are expected to prioritise the opposite flank
Director of Football Hugo Viana is reportedly on the lookout for a new fullback, but it is felt that the position in most need of reinforcements is the right-hand side of defence.
Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, Brentford’s Michael Kayode, Roma’s Wesley and Feyenoord’s Givairo Read have all been mentioned as potential transfer targets.
The club’s left-back options were already strengthened last summer when Rayan Ait-Nouri arrived from Wolves, and with Nico O’Reilly having been deployed regularly in that role as well, there wouldn’t really be much need to sign Balde.
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