Manchester United can forge the perfect ending to this summer's transfer window, with three linked targets looking particularly keen to join Michael Carrick's side
Alejandro Balde holds his hands up acknowledging Barcelona fans
Manchester United have three potential left-back signings on their list next, including Barcelona's Alejandro Balde(Image: 2026 Alex Caparros)
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Carlos Baleba's move to Manchester United was more than a year in the making but is finally over the line. And with that, Michael Carrick has just one point of order to resolve before the club can say its work is done this summer.
Brighton's Baleba is set to join in a move worth £70million to complete the midfield reshuffle at Old Trafford. However that still leaves the small matter of the left-back role that has needed addressing all summer long.
Luke Shaw is in dire need of back-up on that side of defence, which was clear to see following Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Hull City. Fortunately, United have three reported targets in their midst who have each supposedly given their approval to the move already.
Alejandro Balde - £34m
Barcelona are allegedly open to selling left-back Alejandro Balde following the emergence of Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo's return to the Camp Nou. Catalan newspaper Sport reported the 22-year-old has already given his approval for the switch and could be available for as little as £34m.
Balde was absent from the Barca squad that beat Elche 5-0 on Sunday. Manager Hansi Flick last confirmed this decision was because he "doesn't think he's here [committed to Barcelona] 100 per cent."
That appears to confirm speculation all is not well in Catalonia, with Espart impressing heavily in Balde's absence. The Spain international has a symbolic £855m release clause in his contract, showing how highly he has been valued by Barcelona in the past, and he could be a snip at his supposed price-tag this summer.
David Raum - £30m
Leipzig's German defender #22 David Raum celebrates his 3-1 during the German first division Bundesliga football match RB Leipzig v FC Cologne
RB Leipzig's David Raum is in the final year of his contract(Image: Getty)
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RB Leipzig defender David Raum stands out somewhat on this list due to the fact he's 28 and easily the most experienced option. However, that doesn't get away from the fact he could still offer United value in the short term.
The Germany international has entered the final 12 months of his contract in Germany, which has led to reports Leipzig want to sell, with GiveMeSport claiming he's been offered to United. What's more, director of recruitment Christopher Vivell supposedly has a relationship with the player, though he left Leipzig in the same summer that Raum joined from Hoffenheim.
"David has developed brilliantly in the past two years and established himself as a regular for club and country during his first season in the Bundesliga," Vivell previously said of the Germany international. "He's quick, dynamic, can strike the ball and is extremely dangerous from set pieces and crosses."
Like Shaw, Raum is equally comfortable marauding down the left flank as he is transitioning into more central channels. He has even played midfield roles in the past and looked equally adept compared to his more natural left-back berth.
It's been reported Raum has a release clause worth £34m but due to his contract situation, Leipzig could let him leave for closer to £30m. That figure could prove problematic given his age and the fact he'd be free next summer, though his availability could make him an easy get, not to mention he'd reunite with former team-mate Benjamin Sesko.
Jorge Salinas - £13.7m
Racing Santander left-back Jorge Salinas looks on during a game
Racing Santander left-back Jorge Salinas is easily the most budget-friendly option being linked with United(Image: 2026 Juan Manuel Serrano Arce)
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Likely the most straightforward option of the three, Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas could be available for just £13.7m. That's the value placed on the player's release clause, making him easily the most budget-friendly option being linked with United.
Having only just made the step up to La Liga, there are questions to be asked in terms of quality and whether the 19-year-old is ready. And while his meagre transfer cost may make him an attractive option, it's worth noting United have stiff competition amid reports of interest from Atletico Madrid and Barca.
Salinas recorded seven assists in 34 games for Santander last season and is already looking at home in the top flight. A deal is there to be made if United are willing to stump up the funds, with the club supposedly in negotiations already.