Manchester United target Alejandro Balde ready to leave Barcelona to join Red Devils this month

Manchester United opened their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 defeat away at Hull City after a lacklustre performance but with a quality squad and the lion’s share of the season still to go, they are strong contenders for a top four finish.

Over the summer transfer window, Michael Carrick has been backed with quality acquisitions, not least in midfield, but business might not be done yet for the Red Devils as a left back’s signing remains on their agenda.

Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde has been linked with a swoop to Old Trafford and as per Spanish source Diario Sport, the Spaniard has asked Jorge Mendes to find him a new club with the prospect of United looking especially exciting.

Hansi Flick excluded Balde from Barcelona’s squad during their 5-0 win away to Elche in La Liga on Sunday with the full back expected to pursue a new challenge having fallen behind Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo in the pecking order.

Best possible signing at left back for Man United

In recent weeks, Manchester United have been linked with some quality left backs and while Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall was high on their list of targets, the Englishman’s transfer seems unlikely with the Magpies keen on holding onto him this season.

Alejandro Balde, as a result, promises to be the best possible signing the Red Devils could make this summer and a player who they would not need to break the bank for considering his situation with Barcelona.

Transfermarkt values the 19-year-old at £43 million and with Barcelona actively looking to offload him, United would look to secure him without paying through their nose. In doing so, they would secure a top class signing in the back four.

Balde is brilliant with the ball at his feet, passes and crosses effectively into the box and leverages his pace and stamina to cover both ends of the pitch without leaving a stone unturned. His one-on-one defender and physique help him stay a step ahead of his man when defending, while he makes well-time challenges to regain possession.

It will be interesting to see how much Barca’s asking price for Balde is, but personal terms between him and United are not expected to be an issue.