Manchester United could decide the future of not one, but two full-backs this week, as they look for a successor to Luke Shaw. At 31, the Englishman is into the last year of his contract at Old Trafford, and United have been carefully scouring the market for reinforcement as a result.
Balde emerges as alternative option
While Newcastle United's Lewis Hall was considered United's top target, the Magpies' refusal to facilitate a transfer for the 21-year-old sent the club back to the drawing board. Barcelona's Alejandro Balde instead has emerged as an alternative option.
The 22-year-old Blaugrana academy product has lost his place in Hansi Flick's first-team, and is weighing up leaving Camp Nou as a result. Super agent Jorge Mendes has been enlisted to help secure a move, and has been subsequently green-lighted to put the wheels in motion in searching for a new club.
Salinas release clause revealed
A move for Balde could also impact Barcelona's incoming transfer plans. As per SPORT, Barcelona are also looking to free up space within their wider squad to make room for United-linked Jorge Salinas - whom Mendes is also affiliated with.
The versatile left-back is currently plying his trade with Racing Santander, with Atletico Madrid also monitoring the 19-year-old closely. Santander have told any respective suitor that they will have to pay his £13.6million release clause, having rejected a £11.9m bid earlier in the window, with United also believed to be monitoring his situation.
Racing's sporting director, Chema Aragon, said: "We have already rejected a €14 million offer for Jorge Salinas. He will not leave for less than his release clause, which is €16 million."
"Today he is valued at €16 million, tomorrow at €16.1 million. We are an impeccable club and we will demand the release clause for all our players."
United's busy summer window
With Barca potentially waiting in the wings before they commit to a move for Salinas, given the revenue they should generate from the sale of Balde and their precarious financial situation, officials may be hoping to see a concrete offer from United sooner rather than later.
United have enjoyed a largely fruitful summer transfer window thus far, welcoming a number of high-profile arrivals. On top of welcoming Karl Darlow as a free agent, the club brokered a £35m deal with Aston Villa for Youri Tielemans, before adding Chelsea's Andre Santos to their squad for £50m.
Carrick is still looking for extra versatility in his engine room. United have agreed a £70m fee with Brighton and Hove Albion for Carlos Baleba, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
That's £30m less than the £100m price tag the same midfielder was slapped with last summer, as the Seagulls desperately tried to cling onto the 22-year-old.
