- Man Utd eyeing Alejandro Balde
- Barcelona star wants to stay
- Lewis Hall another option
Manchester United will likely struggle to persuade Alejandro Balde to leave Barcelona this summer. The Spanish left-back has emerged as a potential option for INEOS as they look to give Luke Shaw more competition.
Reports claim that United are eyeing Balde and have long tracked the Spaniard’s rise at Camp Nou. The La Liga giants wouldn’t be opposed to a sale and value him at around €50m.
Balde is no longer viewed as untouchable by the Blaugrana and has two years left on his contract. The club’s problem is trying to convince him to switch.
Balde wants Barcelona stay
According to Mundo Deportivo, Balde doesn’t want to leave Barca despite interest from United. Manchester City and Aston Villa are also keen on signing the 20-year-old, who has spent his career with the Catalan club.
Balde wants to stay at Camp Nou which means the Red Devils will have difficulty securing his signature should they make a concrete move. He appeared 42 times across competitions last season, posting three assists.
An ideal summer for United would see a new left-back arrive alongside at least three new midfielders. Casemiro is departing, and Manuel Ugarte looks to be headed for the exit door.
Balde does fit the bill given his age and profile, possessing blistering pace and decent defensive abilities. He is a product of Barca’s La Masia academy but hasn’t quite become the household name many envisioned.
Man Utd could turn to Hall
United are also interested in signing Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall and the English left-back is thought to be open to a St James’ Park departure. He boasts proven Premier League experience but could cost around £70m.
Hall made 47 appearances across competitions this season, registering one goal and two assists. He has three years left on his contract and the Magpies are in a strong position given the sale of Anthony Gordon to Barca for £69m.
