Manchester United are on the market for a new left-back this summer, with Barcelona youngster, Alejandro Balde, arising as a potential alternative target to Newcastle's Lewis Hall
Alejandro Balde runs with the ball
Manchester United are on the market for a new left-back(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of a new left-back, with Alejandro Balde set to leave Barcelona ahead of next month's transfer deadline. While the Reds are thought to see Newcastle United's Lewis Hall as their priority target, the Magpies' reluctance to let him leave St James' Park is proving problematic.
Sources have told TEAMtalk that the North East club will only be willing to sanction a departure for the 21-year-old should United cough up a positional record transfer fee, exceeding Lucas Hernandez's £68million switch from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid in 2019.
As a result, United have began exploring other options to succeed Luke Shaw, who at 31, is into the final year of his contract at Old Trafford. Barcelona's Balde has since emerged as one of those alternatives to Hall.
The 22-year-old has been with the Catalan club since graduating from their youth academy in 2021. However, as a result of stiff competition coupled with injury, he has recently lost his place in Hansi Flick's plans.
And as per Sport, the Spaniard has given Portuguese super-agent, Jorge Mendes, the green-light to find him a new club. Balde has been omitted from Flick's first-team squad who will take on Elche away from home on Sunday evening in their La Liga opener, with the head coach citing how he only wants to utilise players who are 100 per cent committed to the club.
As a result, United could land themselves a cut-price alternative to Hall in the coming days. However, the Reds will face competition for the full-back's signature, considering teams in Portugal and Italy have also been credited with an interest.
It comes as the Reds have seemingly prioritised strengthening their engine room following Casemiro's departure as a free agent, with a number of fresh faces arriving the heart of midfield and potentially more to come.
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Manchester United snapped up Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa in a £35m move, before welcoming Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £52m.
However, the club are now said to be on the move for Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba, 12 months after an initial interest sparked in the 22-year-old.
The Reds have agreed a £70m move for the midfielder, including £5m in add-ons, with a five-year contract awaiting for the youngster - who missed the Seagull's Premier League opener with Aston Villa on Sunday through injury.
It comes as the Reds will look to atone for a 2-0 loss to Hull City on Saturday when they play host to fellow English top flight new boys, Ipswich Town on home turf in a week's time.