Manchester United are working on multiple potential transfer deals with less than a week remaining in the summer window. Further arrivals and departures are anticipated, and manager Michael Carrick may be more convinced his squad needs reinforcements following Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Hull City. United face another Premier League newcomer, Ipswich, on Sunday, with concerns mounting should that fixture yield anything other than three points.
Balde informs Barcelona of desire to stay
United may be forced to look at left-back alternatives after Alejandro Balde reportedly informed Barcelona of his desire to stay at the club. Speculation linking the Spain defender with a move to Old Trafford had intensified this week following Balde's omission from Barcelona's season-opening victory over Elche, which fuelled rumours suggesting a bid from United was forthcoming.
The Premier League club would favour a loan deal with an option to purchase the player permanently, yet it emerged Barcelona were solely interested in an outright sale. However, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Balde has told Barcelona he wishes to remain at the club, despite increased competition from Xavi Espart's emergence and Joao Cancelo's return to the Nou Camp this summer.
La Masia graduate Espart impressed at left-back against Elche and contributed an assist. Hansi Flick revealed after the match that he would need to speak with Balde on Monday, having determined he wasn't in the right frame of mind to play. Reports indicated United would need to spend around £30million to secure the 22-year-old, who is regarded as an alternative to the more expensive Lewis Hall. However, Romano has stated it would now take a "big proposal" to prise him away from Catalonia this summer.
Zirkzee expects to leave United
The Daily Mail has reported that Joshua Zirkzee expects to leave United before the September 1 deadline. The Dutchman has been widely tipped for a move throughout much of the summer and could attract interest from Juventus as a potential destination. A host of clubs have been linked with Zirkzee, including Napoli, Roma and Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
The 25-year-old previously shone for Bologna before completing a £36.5m switch to United two years ago, with a return to Italy now considered the most likely outcome. Juventus would be better placed to pursue his signature should they successfully move on Jonathan David in the coming days. Romano has stated on his YouTube channel that such an outcome could materialise after Atletico Madrid registered their interest in the Canadian striker.
Villa could also prove eager contenders as they step up their pursuit of a new frontman, though Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea appears their favoured replacement for Saudi-bound Ollie Watkins. The worry for United is being left severely undermanned in attack if they allow Zirkzee to depart without bringing in a replacement. With fewer than seven days remaining in the window, Carrick and his board could find themselves in a frantic race against time on both fronts to push through a deal.
