Manchester United’s pursuit of Alejandro Balde has hit a significant obstacle, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the potential deal is currently considered too expensive and the Barcelona defender wants to remain at the club.
United have explored a move for the 22-year-old during their search for another left-back, but the conditions required to sign him have so far prevented the situation from progressing.
Romano revealed through CaughtOffside that United contacted Balde’s agent Jorge Mendes around a week ago to establish what would be required to complete a transfer.
Alejandro Balde deal proving too expensive for Man Utd
United’s enquiries have uncovered two significant problems.
Romano reports that Balde is currently considered too expensive in terms of both Barcelona‘s transfer demands and the player’s salary, meaning negotiations have yet to become concrete.
Barcelona are prepared to consider an exit because selling an academy graduate would generate valuable profit, but Balde is not currently pushing to leave.
The Spain international instead wants to remain at Barcelona and fight for his place.
That represents an important development after ReadManUtd reported earlier this week that Balde’s omission from Barcelona’s squad had increased uncertainty around his future.
Romano adds that the situation could only change if a major proposal arrives from a leading club before the window closes.
Barcelona have reportedly placed a valuation of around €45million (£38.5m) on Balde, according to talkSPORT.
Man Utd left-back search remains open
United still have reason to strengthen the position before the end of the window.
Luke Shaw remains Michael Carrick‘s principal senior option, but the club have assessed several younger alternatives during the summer.
Newcastle United‘s Lewis Hall has been another prominent target, although ReadManUtd reported that Newcastle have made their unwillingness to sell the England international clear.
Balde therefore offered United another high-level option.
The contact with Mendes confirms that their interest was genuine, but there is now considerable distance between exploring a transfer and actually completing one.
Unless the financial conditions change or Balde alters his desire to stay at Barcelona, United may have to look elsewhere for Carrick’s additional left-back.
