Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde continues to be mentioned in connection with a potential switch to Manchester United ahead of the winter transfer period.
The Spanish full-back was strongly associated with a departure from the Catalan club during the most recent summer market, with the Theatre of Dreams regularly cited as a possible landing spot.
United had been widely reported to be pursuing a new left-sided defender after Tyrell Malacia left on a free transfer, eventually moving to Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati.
With Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu currently the only established left-back choices available to head coach Michael Carrick in the senior squad, speculation grew that a reinforcement would be sought before the window closed.
Balde’s position at Barcelona is reportedly uncertain, and fresh reports have now surfaced regarding the Spain international.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has indicated that United retain an interest in acquiring Balde when the January window opens.
The report names United as the only club mentioned as holding an active interest in the player.
The defender has found game time difficult to come by at Barcelona during the current campaign, with head coach Hansi Flick giving him a single outing, a late substitute appearance against Racing Santander in La Liga in September.
He has been an unused substitute on five occasions in the league this season and also remained on the bench when Barcelona took on Feyenoord in the Champions League early in September.
Reports suggest Barcelona turned down approaches for Balde during the summer, but indications are that position could shift when the winter window opens.
Balde is 22 years old.
Shaw and Dorgu have featured at left-back for United this season, though Dorgu is believed to have picked up a suspected injury while on international duty with Denmark recently.
United are next in Premier League action at the weekend when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford, and Carrick is set to brief reporters on the fitness of his squad in the coming days.