Manchester United are closing in on a resolution to their long-standing left-back issue, with three reported targets said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford. The club has already secured the signing of Brighton's Carlos Baleba in a deal worth £70m, completing the midfield reshuffle, but the left-back role remains unresolved.
Luke Shaw is in need of back-up on that side of defence, a need highlighted by Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Hull City. United have three reported targets who have each supposedly given their approval to a move.
Alejandro Balde available for £34m
Barcelona are allegedly open to selling left-back Alejandro Balde following the emergence of Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo's return to the Camp Nou. Spanish newspaper Sport reported the 22-year-old has already given his approval for the switch and could be available for as little as £34m.
Balde was absent from the Barcelona squad that beat Elche 5-0 on Sunday. Manager Hansi Flick last confirmed this decision was because he "doesn't think he's here [committed to Barcelona] 100 per cent." The Spain international has a symbolic £855m release clause in his contract, showing how highly he has been valued by Barcelona in the past.
David Raum in final year of contract
RB Leipzig defender David Raum stands out on the list due to the fact he is 28 and easily the most experienced option. The Germany international has entered the final 12 months of his contract, which has led to reports Leipzig want to sell, with GiveMeSport claiming he has been offered to United.
Director of recruitment Christopher Vivell supposedly has a relationship with the player, though he left Leipzig in the same summer that Raum joined from Hoffenheim. "David has developed brilliantly in the past two years and established himself as a regular for club and country during his first season in the Bundesliga," Vivell previously said of the Germany international. "He's quick, dynamic, can strike the ball and is extremely dangerous from set pieces and crosses."
Like Shaw, Raum is comfortable marauding down the left flank as he is transitioning into more central channels. He has even played midfield roles in the past. It has been reported Raum has a release clause worth £34m but due to his contract situation, Leipzig could let him leave for closer to £30m.
Jorge Salinas the budget option
Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas could be available for just £13.7m, the value of his release clause, making him the most budget-friendly option linked with United. Having only just made the step up to La Liga, there are questions about whether the 19-year-old is ready.
Salinas recorded seven assists in 34 games for Santander last season and is already looking at home in the top flight. United face stiff competition amid reports of interest from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, but a deal is there to be made if the club is willing to stump up the funds, with negotiations reportedly already underway.
