Manchester United prepare €40m bid for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde

Published Aug 23, 01:01 PM UTC

According to the Mirror, Manchester United are preparing a €40 million bid for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde. The 22-year-old Spanish defender has been left out of Barcelona's squad for their La Liga opener against Elche and placed on the transfer list, with the club hoping to sell him before the September 1 deadline. Balde's playing time has been squeezed by the return of Joao Cancelo, who can play both full-back positions, and he also struggled with a hamstring injury last season. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised Balde's talent but questioned his confidence to compete for a starting spot. United manager Michael Carrick confirmed the club is looking to strengthen the squad, particularly at left-back, after their opening 0-2 loss to Hull City. United's primary target, Newcastle's Lewis Hall, has been deemed difficult to sign due to Newcastle's reluctance to sell and United's budget constraints from midfield reinforcements.