Manchester United have received a significant boost in their search for a new left-back, with Alejandro Balde set to depart Barcelona before next month's transfer deadline. While the Reds are believed to view Newcastle United's Lewis Hall as their primary target, the Magpies' reluctance to sanction his exit from St James' Park is proving a stumbling block.
Newcastle's Record Fee Demand
Sources have told TEAMtalk that the North East club will only permit the 21-year-old to leave if United pay a positional record transfer fee, surpassing the £68million Lucas Hernandez commanded when moving from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid in 2019.
As a result, United have started exploring other options to replace Luke Shaw, who at 31 is entering the final year of his contract at Old Trafford. Barcelona's Balde has since emerged as one of those alternatives to Hall.
Balde's Barcelona Exit
The 22-year-old has been with the Catalan club since graduating from their youth academy in 2021. However, due to stiff competition and injury, he has recently lost his place in Hansi Flick's plans.
According to Sport, the Spaniard has given Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes the green light to find him a new club. Balde has been omitted from Flick's first-team squad for their La Liga opener against Elche away from home on Sunday evening, with the head coach citing that he only wants to utilise players who are 100 per cent committed to the club.
Potential Cut-Price Deal and Competition
As a result, United could land a cut-price alternative to Hall in the coming days. However, the Reds will face competition for the full-back's signature, with teams in Portugal and Italy also credited with an interest.
It comes as the Reds have seemingly prioritised strengthening their engine room following Casemiro's departure as a free agent, with a number of fresh faces arriving in the heart of midfield and potentially more to come.
Manchester United snapped up Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa in a £35m move, before welcoming Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £52m. However, the club are now said to be on the move for Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba, 12 months after an initial interest sparked in the 22-year-old.
The Reds have agreed a £70m move for the midfielder, including £5m in add-ons, with a five-year contract awaiting the youngster, who missed the Seagull's Premier League opener with Aston Villa on Sunday through injury.
It comes as the Reds will look to atone for a 2-0 loss to Hull City on Saturday when they play host to fellow English top flight new boys, Ipswich Town on home turf in a week's time.
