Alejandro Balde has informed Barcelona of his intention to stay at the club, while Joshua Zirkzee reportedly expects to leave Manchester United before Transfer Deadline Day.
Balde decides to remain at Barcelona
United may need to keep their options open in their hunt for a new left-back after Balde reportedly told Barcelona of his decision to stay. Reports linking the Spanish defender with a move to Old Trafford had gained momentum this week following his absence from Barca's season-opening win over Elche.
That development only fuelled rumours suggesting a formal bid from United was imminent. The Premier League side would prefer a loan deal with an option to buy the player outright, only for it to transpire that Barcelona were exclusively interested in a permanent transfer.
However, Fabrizio Romano has now revealed Balde's decision to tell Barcelona that he wants to stay at the club. This comes despite the heightened competition created by Xavi Espart's emergence as a fresh alternative and Joao Cancelo's return to the Camp Nou this summer.
Zirkzee 'expects to leave' Old Trafford
According to the Daily Mail, Zirkzee anticipates leaving United prior to Transfer Deadline Day. The forward has been widely mooted for a departure throughout the majority of the summer and Juventus could prove to be an interested party, reports the Manchester Evening News.
A number of clubs have been associated with Zirkzee in recent months, including Napoli, Roma and Premier League competitors Aston Villa. Juventus could be in a stronger position to chase his signature should they manage to offload Jonathan David in the coming days.
Romano has suggested on his YouTube channel that such a move might be possible after Atletico Madrid expressed their interest in the Canadian forward. Villa could also emerge as serious contenders as they step up their search for a new striker. Doubts persist over the future of England forward Ollie Watkins, who The Telegraph reported could earn £12m a year by making a switch to Saudi heavyweights Al-Hilal.
United will be aiming for a much-improved performance when they host their first Premier League match against Ipswich Town on Sunday. Once that fixture concludes, the club will have just over two days remaining to complete any outstanding business.
