Manchester United prepare to step up pursuit of Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to move for Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde as manager Michael Carrick looks to address defensive weaknesses ahead of the winter transfer window. A report by Team Talk says the English club has received encouraging indications that the Spanish player could leave, and that Barcelona has become more open to letting him go following the deterioration of his relationship with manager Hansi Flick.

According to the report, Manchester United’s football department is considering the option of signing Balde on loan in January, allowing the club to assess him before committing to a permanent deal. Officials in the recruitment department believe that, despite his dip in form and limited appearances, the player has considerable potential that could re-emerge if he returns to his best.

Balde has played 101 minutes in the Spanish league and 16 minutes in the Champions League this season, and has been unable to establish himself in Barcelona’s starting line-up. The player was initially keen to compete for his place, but his limited appearances and deteriorating relationship with Flick have led him, according to the report, to consider leaving when the winter transfer window opens.

Left-back is seen as an area where Manchester United need to strengthen their options, and the club is banking on Balde’s pace and ability to contribute in attack. The report noted that Barcelona is prepared to let him leave on loan, and that the player is now receptive to the idea of moving to England.

The report added that Liverpool had also been offered the chance to sign the defender, along with Sunderland, Everton and Fulham. Manchester United continues to explore its options as it seeks to turn its interest in the player into a concrete agreement.