Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of a left-back, with Barcelona reportedly willing to sell Alejandro Balde. The Red Devils have struggled in that position this season, with natural options Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu both sidelined by long-term injuries.
Manager Michael Carrick has been forced to experiment with makeshift solutions, using right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui as deputies, while central defender Ayden Heaven has also been shifted out wide with limited success. The role is seen as a key area needing reinforcement at Old Trafford, with many supporters believing a left-back should have been signed in the summer.
Barcelona prepared to sell
Newcastle United's Lewis Hall was thought to be the priority target, but Balde was also a reported option. If United reignite their interest in the Spaniard, they could find a deal with their Catalan rivals relatively easy to come by.
The Athletic reports that Hansi Flick's side want to sell Balde, a stance they have held since the summer transfer window. Barcelona could not sanction a sale of the defender, who was keen to play his way back into his manager's plans despite being told he was surplus to requirements.
Financial pressure at Barcelona
Barcelona's cash-strapped situation, as well as their need to raise funds to sign a new left-sided centre-back, will make them more desperate to sell Balde. Despite the 23-year-old's willingness to stay at his boyhood club, he has been limited to just 124 minutes this term.
With Shaw's contract up at the end of the season and Dorgu not a true left-back under Carrick, a deal for Balde could prove an enticing, cut-price option for the Red Devils.
