Man Utd face major Balde transfer issue as they search for Hall alternative

Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, but are reportedly unwilling to pay the asking price.

United remain in the hunt to sign a left-back before the summer transfer window closes on September 1. Their initial number one target Lewis Hall now appears to be out of reach, with Newcastle unwilling to discuss a deal after selling a handful of other stars.

That has led United to move onto other options, with manager Michael Carrick still keen to bring in competition for Luke Shaw, who is in his 13th season at the club and has historically suffered with injuries. United's dreadful performance in a 2-0 defeat by newly-promoted Hull on Saturday has further underlined the need for new arrivals.

Balde was left out of the Barcelona squad for their 5-0 thrashing of Elche on Sunday and the 22-year-old could soon be on the move. “I spoke with Balde and told him that, in my opinion, he is not 100 per cent ready," manager Hansi Flick said. "That he should sort out his thoughts, and then we will discuss it.”

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The Athletic reports that, while Barca are open to selling, they value Balde, who has nearly two years left on his contract, at €45million (£38.5m). That is too much for United, who would instead look for an initial loan deal.

Balde came through the Barcelona academy and has made 168 appearances since making his debut in 2021. He is understood to want assurances of game time if he is to stay at the club for the 2026/27 campaign.

United's hopes of finding a left-back could rely on Jorge Mendes, who represents both Balde and another target, Jorge Salinas. The 19-year-old Racing Santander defender has a release clause of just €16m (£13.6m) in his contract, but is also in talks with Atletico Madrid.

As well as Shaw, United have other options in the form of Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui. However, Dorgu has been deployed on the left wing by Carrick, while Dalot and Mazraoui are more comfortable at right-back. Academy graduate Harry Amass has been made available for another loan spell away from the club.

Left-back is the last remaining piece of the puzzle for United this summer after they struck an agreement to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton for a fee which could reach £70m. The Cameroon international is set to be announced after undergoing a medical over the weekend and will join Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in a new-look midfield.

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