Man utd open talks for Alejandro Balde as Red Devils have contacted Barcelona star's camp over shock summer transfer

Man Utd have officially registered their interest in Balde as the club looks to solve their long-standing issues on the left side of the defence. According to ESPN, Old Trafford officials have reportedly reached out to the player's camp to gauge his interest in a move to the Premier League before the summer transfer window slams shut. The Red Devils had previously been linked with Newcastle United full-back Lewis Hall earlier in the window, but the focus has now shifted toward the 22-year-old Spaniard as a premium alternative to their current options.

The urgency behind United's pursuit stems from ongoing concerns regarding Luke Shaw's durability. While the England international remains the first-choice option when fit, there are internal worries that he may struggle to cope with the physical demands of playing three games a week across both the Premier League and the Champions League. Shaw started every league game last season, but at 31, his history of muscular injuries has forced the United hierarchy to look for a younger, more explosive talent who can share the workload.

Should the Spanish international express a formal desire to leave the Camp Nou, Man Utd are prepared to structure a deal that suits their current financial constraints. The club would prefer to negotiate a season-long loan deal that includes an option to make the move permanent next summer. This approach would allow United to assess Balde's adaptation to English football before committing a significant portion of their budget. However, Barcelona's financial situation means they may prefer an immediate sale to balance their books, with the club valuing the La Masia graduate at between £26 million and £34m.

The negotiations are expected to be complex, as Barcelona are not under immediate pressure to sell one of their brightest young talents unless the player forces a move. Balde is said to be keen on a face-to-face meeting with Flick to understand exactly where he stands in the pecking order.

Speculation regarding Balde's future reached fever pitch after he was surprisingly left out of the squad for Barcelona's 5-0 win over Elche on Sunday. Flick was quick to address the situation, suggesting that the player’s mental state was the primary reason for his absence. "We have to manage the minutes, I hope to have six players who can play 90 minutes," Flick told reporters. "I spoke with Balde this morning and told him that I think he's not here at 100 per cent, clear your mind and then we'll talk."

Despite the emphatic victory for the Catalan giants, Balde’s absence remained the talking point. Flick has insisted that the player's talent is not the issue, but rather his current focus and commitment to the project. He stated: "He’s a player of immense quality, and it’s important to know if he’s confident he can compete in his position. That’s what I want to see from all my players. Every day I observe what they do, their level, whether they demonstrate that they’re at the level to play."

While Balde is undoubtedly a high-ceiling talent, his recent injury record is something that Man Utd's medical staff will be monitoring closely. For a club like United, which has been plagued by defensive injuries over the last two years, ensuring that Balde can maintain his fitness in the more physical Premier League environment will be a priority. As the clock ticks down toward the end of the transfer window, Man Utd are remaining patient but have made it clear to all parties that they are ready to act.