Liverpool have recently joined the race to sign Manchester United target Alejandro Balde from Barcelona, according to Spanish outlet AS.
United were heavily linked with the Spanish left-back during the closing stages of the summer transfer window, but he eventually decided to stay put.
The decision has not proved worthwhile for him. The 22-year-old has become the third-choice left-back at Barcelona after the emergence of Xavi Espart.
Espart, 19, has started every La Liga game this campaign, while Joao Cancelo was recently preferred for the Champions League opener against Feyenoord.
Balde has not played a single minute thus far. This could urge him to move on from the Spanish champions when the transfer window reopens in January.
Sport claim United and Inter Milan were in the reckoning to sign him recently, and Liverpool have now joined the pursuit and are weighing up a winter move.
The Merseyside outfit have a good working relationship with Barcelona, having recently signed Ronald Araujo on loan with an option to buy next summer.
Balde could be allowed to leave the Blaugrana for £34 million.
Man Utd likely to pursue new left-back this winter
Luke Shaw started every league game for the Red Devils last term. He managed to stay unscathed, which was quite impressive, given his worrying injury record over the years.
The Englishman also started the first three matches of the current season, but has been on the sidelines for the last two with a minor knock sustained against Everton.
Patrick Dorgu has been called upon to play in the left-back position in the past two matches, but his defensive vulnerability was exposed against Manchester City on Sunday.
It is quite clear that United need another good competitor for Shaw. Balde was viewed as an option previously, but nothing materialised after he decided to stay at Barcelona.
The Spaniard may change his stance at the turn of the year, but we are not fully convinced about him, given his recent injuries and lack of regular competitive action this year.
If United are to compete with Liverpool for his signature, they should propose an initial loan deal for the left-back with an option to purchase for £34m or less next summer.
In that way, they can assess whether Balde can adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League.
There are no doubts about the 22-year-old’s ball-playing ability and control, but his recent fitness and injury concerns mean a permanent deal from the off represents a risk.
Stats from Sofascore.com