Manchester United are searching for another left-back addition before the window closes, while progress on signing a Barcelona defender has become more apparent.
The Old Trafford club are understood to have ‘made contact’ with Alejandro Balde’s representatives. United are pushing to finalize the Baleba acquisition but are simultaneously eager to bring in cover at left-back before the transfer period ends.
Securing the signature of the Spanish defender won’t be straightforward, though, with United told he remains content at his current club.
With Patrick Dorgu viewed as an option further up the pitch and teenager Harry Amass anticipated to depart, Michael Carrick finds himself with only Luke Shaw available in that role. The 31-year-old has had recurring injury problems in the past, though he stayed clear of injuries throughout the previous campaign.
In their pursuit of defensive reinforcement, United also explored the possibility of signing Lewis Hall. However, Newcastle United are reluctant to offload another important player this window, having already parted ways with Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
This makes a transfer highly improbable, unless the player himself pushes for a move and United submits an offer the Magpies cannot refuse. Consequently, the club may need to shift focus to alternative candidates.
Several options are already under review, with Balde now emerging as a fresh possibility. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that United have made ‘calls’ to the Catalan club and the player’s representatives in recent days to evaluate the feasibility of a deal, though the full-back is said to be content at the Nou Camp.
The 22-year-old was a regular starter under Hansi Flick last term, featuring in 42 matches across all competitions. Separate hamstring and muscle problems caused him to miss a combined 10 fixtures throughout the campaign.
Barcelona have completed the signing of Joao Cancelo, who has returned after his loan spell at the club last season. He will increase competition for Balde at left-back alongside Gerard Martin.
United have also been mentioned in connection with Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, but Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his belief that the 19-year-old will remain at the Emirates beyond this summer.
Carrick’s main focus this window has been strengthening his midfield options. The club have finalized the signings of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa in a combined deal worth £85 million.
They are also nearing completion of a move for long-term target Baleba. A proposal of £60 million, plus an additional £5 million in performance-related add-ons, has been submitted to Brighton, though further negotiations remain necessary to finalize the agreement.