Manchester United have intensified their pursuit of a new left-back as the transfer window deadline approaches, with significant developments occurring in negotiations involving Barcelona players.
The Old Trafford club has initiated discussions with the representatives of Spanish defender Alejandro Balde, exploring the possibility of securing his services before the window closes.
Sources indicate that the Red Devils are actively assessing their options at left-back following the progress made on other transfer targets.
With the midfield position identified as a primary area for reinforcement, the club has successfully negotiated the arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa in a combined transaction worth £85 million.
Negotiations for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba remain ongoing, with a formal offer of £60 million plus an additional £5 million in potential add-ons submitted to the Seagulls, though finalisation of that deal continues to require further work.
The pursuit of Balde presents considerable challenges for United, as information received suggests the 22-year-old remains content at the Nou Camp and has no desire to depart.
The Catalan club has recently bolstered their left-back options by bringing Joao Cancelo back to the club after his successful loan spell, with the Portuguese international set to provide competition alongside Gerard Martin.
Under Hansi Flick’s management last season, Balde featured regularly, making 42 appearances across all competitions, though hamstring and muscle problems caused him to miss ten games throughout the campaign.
United manager Michael Carrick finds his left-back options limited following Harry Amass’s anticipated departure, leaving only Luke Shaw available in that position.
The 31-year-old England international has experienced persistent injury concerns throughout his career but managed to remain fitness throughout the previous season.
Attempts to sign Lewis Hall from Newcastle United have proved problematic, with the Magpies resolute in their stance against selling additional key players after permitting Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimaraes to depart during the current window.
Unless the player himself initiates a move and United table an offer too substantial for Newcastle to decline, any transfer appears improbable.
Consequently, United have identified alternative candidates for the left-back role, with Balde emerging as a fresh possibility.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that United have contacted both Barcelona and the player’s representatives in recent days to evaluate the feasibility of a move.
Separate reports have linked United with Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, though Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has expressed certainty that the teenager will remain at the Emirates Stadium beyond the current transfer period.