Man United ready Alejandro Balde offer as chase ‘accelerates’

Manchester United are ready to make an offer for Alejandro Balde once they receive the green light from Barcelona, sources have told Football Insider.

The Red Devils are continuing to keep tabs on the left-back, who is set to be available for a move after being left out of the Blaugrana’s season opener at Elche last weekend. 

The addition of a new left-back, 22, has been a key priority for United since the start of the summer, and they are ready to “accelerate” their push for a new face after defensive issues arose in their defeat at Hull.

Michael Carrick’s side do not have big money available to spend on a defender, so are keeping as many options open as possible at the moment. 

United are keen to explore a cost-effective deal, or even a possible season-long loan for Balde, provided that Barcelona are willing to let him leave. 

The 22-year-old made 42 appearances for Hansi Flick’s side in all competitions last term, and already boasts significant experience in the Champions League. 

Alejandro Balde on the chopping block

Balde has come through the La Masia academy to become a valuable member of the squad for Barcelona in recent seasons, but he appears to be approaching the end of his time with his boyhood club.

The starlet is now into the final two years of his contract and has fallen out of favour with Flick at the start of the new season.

Balde received limited minutes for Barcelona throughout their pre-season schedule, and wasn’t even in the matchday squad for their La Liga opener. 

Speculation surrounding his future is rife as a result, but United are still waiting for full confirmation from Barcelona that they are prepared to let him out the door.

Carrick and Co. have been looking to find competition for Luke Shaw throughout the summer, and Balde also ticks the box as a player with the potential to improve in the future.

The expectation is that he would likely initially serve as Shaw’s understudy in the backline, but would gradually take over as first-choice over time. 

Joaquin Seys also on Man United radar

Football Insider revealed last week that Club Brugge left-back Joaquin Seys is another man on United’s radar at the moment, but the Belgian side’s asking price is an issue.

Brugge value the 21-year-old at the £30million mark, but United are hopeful that they could potentially strike a deal at a “reduced fee.”

Seys is understood to be a player who “ticks a lot of boxes” for the Red Devils in terms of what they are after, but he is far from their only option at the moment. 

Balde is the latest man to catch United’s attention, and the door could yet open for them to bring him in before the deadline.