Manchester United are working against the clock with less than a week of the summer transfer window remaining, and Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly 'likely to leave' the club in the coming days. Meanwhile, a £30m-rated left-back target has informed his current club that he wishes to stay.
Zirkzee 'expects to leave' before deadline
The Daily Mail has reported that Zirkzee anticipates departing United before the September 1 deadline. The 25-year-old has been widely tipped for an exit throughout much of the summer and could find a willing buyer in Juventus.
A list of clubs have been linked with Zirkzee in recent months, amongst them Napoli, Roma and Premier League rivals Aston Villa. The forward previously shone for Bologna before joining United in a £36.5million deal two years ago, with a return to Italy considered the most likely outcome.
Juventus would be even better placed to pursue his signature should they successfully offload Jonathan David in the coming days. Fabrizio Romano has stated on his YouTube channel that such a move could be feasible after Atletico Madrid registered their interest in the Canadian striker.
Villa could rival for Zirkzee
Aston Villa could also emerge as keen contenders as they intensify their pursuit of a new forward. Uncertainty continues to surround the future of England striker Ollie Watkins, whom The Telegraph reported could earn £12m a year by joining Saudi giants Al-Hilal.
United's primary concern is being left exposed in attack should they allow Zirkzee to depart without securing a replacement. With fewer than seven days of the window remaining, Carrick and his board could find themselves in a race against time on both fronts to sanction any deal.
Balde informs Barcelona of decision
United may be forced to keep their alternatives alive in the pursuit of a new left-back after Alejandro Balde reportedly informed Barcelona of his desire to remain at the club. Reports connecting the Spain defender with a switch to Old Trafford had gathered pace this week following Balde's absence from Barca's season-opening victory over Elche.
That development only stoked speculation suggesting a formal approach from United was forthcoming. The Premier League outfit would favour a loan arrangement with an option to purchase the player permanently, only for it to emerge that Barcelona were solely interested in an outright sale.
However, Romano has now reported Balde's decision to inform Barcelona that he wishes to remain at the club. This comes despite the increased competition brought about by Xavi Espart's emergence as a new option and Joao Cancelo's return to the Camp Nou this summer.
La Masia graduate Espart caught the eye at left-back against Elche, registering an assist in the process. Hansi Flick revealed after the match that he would need to speak to Balde on Monday, having decided he was not mentally ready to play - and that conversation appears to have gone favourably from Barca's standpoint.
Reports had suggested United would need to part with around £30m to secure the 22-year-old, who is viewed as an alternative to the considerably pricier Lewis Hall. However, Romano has indicated it would now take a "big proposal" to prise him away from Catalonia this summer.
