Manchester United have added Barcelona's Alejandro Balde to their list of transfer targets this summer. The Red Devils are in the market for a left-back having shored up their midfield with two signings and one imminent arrival.
£65m Baleba Deal Close
Standard Sport understands that a £65m package deal for Carlos Baleba is close to being finalised with Brighton and Hove Albion, with the Cameroon international thought to have agreed personal terms already with United.
Michael Carrick is looking to bolster his squad further, and made his intentions clear ahead of his side's opening Premier League game against Hull City.
“I just think we're looking to strengthen the squad,” he said. “We're certainly working towards that, making the most of the situation that we have and trying to improve things and trying to move forward. You know, I said the same thing to you last time. Certainly trying to make the most of the opportunities to finish the window stronger than we went into it.”
Balde Emerges as Target
It had previously been reported that Newcastle's Lewis Hall was high on the Red Devils' shortlist, but now, Fabrizio Romano reports that Balde, the Barcelona full-back, has been the subject of enquiries from the Premier League club. The Italian journalist stated on Wednesday that the Premier League outfit had put calls into the player's representatives to try and get an understanding as to whether he would be keen to leave the Nou Camp.
Balde has been a bit-part player under Hansi Flick, struggling to hold down a regular starting berth having struggled with injuries.
United have already signed Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos for their engine room, while Karl Darlow has been brought in to replace Altay Bayindir as a backup goalkeeper.
