REUTERS/Phil Noble
Manchester United have been given the green light to complete a deal for Barcelona star Alejandro Balde in January to bolster their left-back options.
The Red Devils were keen to sign a new left-back in the summer, with the Spain international high on their list of options, before a move for Lewis Hall failed to materialise, and Balde opted to fight for his place in the squad under Hansi Flick instead.
United completed deals for veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow, young winger Tynan Thompson, and midfield stars Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba during the window instead, but it's now understood that they are ready to return to the market in January to strengthen their defensive options.
With Luke Shaw out of contract at the end of the season and once again struggling with injuries, Michael Carrick has limited options available to him on the left side of his defence.
But it has now emerged that the club have held talks with Barcelona over renewing their interest in Spain international Balde, with the La Liga side open to allowing him to leave the club on loan in January.
The 22-year-old is behind all of Xavi Espart, Joao Cancelo, and Gerard Martin in the pecking order, and has featured for just 12 minutes this season under Flick.
Barcelona are willing to let him move on, and have given him permission to explore his options ahead of the transfer window opening. Man Utd feel that the player has the potential to become a top star in his position if given regular game time, while they also feel that he can compete and even replace Shaw in the future.
TEAMtalk also report that the Spain international is open to a move to the Premier League to kickstart his career, with a number of teams in the division also contacted about a potential loan move.
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Alejandro Balde La Liga Stats 25/26
Appearances
Assists
Pass Success %
Tackles (per 90)
Clearances (per 90)
Key Passes (per 90)
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored
Balde 'One of the Best' Left-Backs
Balde Barcelona Betis
While Balde is now firmly out of the first-team picture at Barcelona, it wasn't long ago that Flick was a big fan of the defender and described him as 'one of the best'.
A move in the summer looked likely, but never materialised. Now Man Utd, and Balde, have been given another chance to get a deal done, in a move that would suit everyone involved.