Manchester United are leading the race to sign Alejandro Balde, and he’s likely to leave Barcelona this summer.
The Red Devils are working on signing a new left-back in the last week of the window. On Monday, we relayed news of Manchester United tabling an offer to the player.
Later that day, Sport Witness covered a report from Spain that the 22-year-old is close to saying yes to Michael Carrick’s side.
The developments over the past few days have seen him get closer to the exit door, and Manchester United is likely to be his next destination.
Last week, Balde’s agent Jorge Mendes was in Barcelona to hold talks with him and the La Liga winners. On Sunday, Hansi Flick left him out of the squad for the 5-0 win over Elche CF.
Manchester United key for directors’ battle
The Premier League side also have Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas on their list.
He has a €16m clause, and the interested parties have to pay this figure to secure his services. Salinas is also a target for the Catalan club and Atlético Madrid.
Sport cover the latest on Manchester United and Alejandro Balde when discussing the battle between Deco and Mateu Alemany for the 19-year-old.
Alemany’s relationship with Deco strained while he at the Camp Nou. The two are likely to battle for the Racing Santander youngster, who is also a target for the Old Trafford club.
Balde’s sale to Manchester United key for Barca
The La Liga duo have refused to pay Jorge Salinas’ €16m release clause and Alejandro Balde’s exit can change things for the Blaugrana.
He has a market in the Premier League where Manchester United are the ‘most interested’ club. His sale could see Hansi Flick’s side collect €50-60m [other claims mention a price around €30-40m]. The Camp Nou side can use part of the funds to sign Salinas.
Jorge Mendes manages the two Spanish fullbacks and has a key role to play in the duo’s immediate future.
Sport states: ‘Mendes is trying to facilitate Balde’s move to the Premier League, with Manchester United as the leading candidate, and at the same time is pushing for Barca to finalise the signing of Salinas.’
The English club and Atlético Madrid are also keen on Salinas. However, his agent prefers to take the youngster to the Camp Nou. This can only be possible if Balde is sold this summer.
