Manchester United are still hoping to sign a left-back before the transfer window closes next week, with Barcelona's Alejandro Balde emerging as an alternative after Newcastle ruled out Lewis Hall's departure.
Baleba deal agreed
Manager Michael Carrick has already brought in several new faces but will know further additions are required following his team's defeat to Hull City at the weekend. Both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos featured in midfield as the club suffered a 2-0 defeat.
The new arrivals will soon have additional competition for their positions after United struck a deal with Brighton for Carlos Baleba. In the backline, Carrick's team are pursuing a left-back to offer competition for Luke Shaw.
Hall ruled out by Newcastle
Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle has dismissed the prospect of Lewis Hall moving to Old Trafford this summer. United have been strongly linked with Hall following the 21-year-old's outstanding performances for the Magpies.
Legendary United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel raised the transfer rumours around Hall's future when speaking with Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle. While working as a pundit for Viaplay during Newcastle's 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Schmeichel remarked to Jaissle after the match: "We're [Manchester United] after your left-back."
However, newly-appointed Newcastle boss Jaissle delivered an unequivocal response: "No chance! No chance!" The German manager appeared resolute that Hall will not be heading to the Red Devils.
Hall featured against Liverpool on Sunday and received plaudits for his display before conceding a decisive penalty that cost Newcastle the victory deep into stoppage time. The Magpies have already offloaded key personnel during the transfer window, with Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes all completing notable departures.
Balde in talks over future
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was reportedly scheduled for talks with Alejandro Balde yesterday following reports casting doubt over the defender's future at the club. The 22-year-old has been linked with a switch to United and was omitted from Barcelona's matchday squad against Elche on Sunday.
Spanish outlet Sport reported that Flick and Balde were due to hold a face-to-face meeting on Monday after the full-back was dropped for the 5-0 victory over Elche. It is suggested that the talks could open the door for the defender to depart the Catalan club should the situation remain unresolved.
The report indicates that Flick is prepared to retain Balde but expects the player to demonstrate a determination to reclaim his place in the side. Meanwhile, Barcelona already have Joao Cancelo, Xavi Espart and Gerard Martin as potential left-back alternatives, should Balde exit the Camp Nou.
When quizzed on his choice to omit the defender from the squad, Flick said: "I spoke with Alejandro Balde today and said to him that I think you're not here 100 per cent, so it's best that you stay at home and clear your mind. We will talk again tomorrow."
