Manchester United have Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde and Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas on their list to strengthen their left-back position.
Over the past few weeks, the Spanish media have covered the Premier League side’s interest in Salinas.
Racing Santander sporting director Chema Aragón has already confirmed his suitors can only sign him by activating his €16m clause.
Last week, we relayed news Manchester United and Atlético Madrid are bidding for the 19-year-old.
Barca player main target for Manchester United
Hansi Flick has informed Alejandro Balde he won’t have a key role this season. Therefore, he and his agent are exploring options to leave Barcelona this summer.
At the weekend, Sport Witness covered a report from Spain of Aston Villa and Benfica joining the Red Devils in the race.
Monday’s Mundo Deportivo relays Aston Villa and Benfica links and adds the Old Trafford club have made an approach to sign the Spain international.
Flick left him out of the squad for Barcelona’s league win over Elche CF on Sunday. After the match, the manager said he had a chat with the fullback before excluding him.
“I spoke with Balde this morning. I told him he’s not 100%, that it’s better for him to stay home, I asked him to think, reflect, and clarify things, and that we’ll talk tomorrow,” he said.
Flick’s direct message and the latest exclusion can have a significant impact on his future.
Manchester United considering Salinas
El Desmarque reports Michael Carrick’s side are looking at Alejandro Balde and Jorge Salinas, with the former as their primary target.
The Premier League side are attentive to Balde’s situation and are waiting to see how his case develops before making further advances.
Manchester United are also considering Jorge Salinas, who has a €16m clause.
He is a ‘much more economical alternative with a different profile’. Balde, on the other hand, will cost at least €30m.
Salinas, 19, is three years younger than Balde and can also operate as a centre-back.
The Racing Santander defender’s versatility, qualities, potential for growth and price could make him an attractive option for Manchester United.
The release clause gives the Red Devils an easy route to sign Salinas. He will cost less than Balde and his versatility can provide Carrick more options. In short, signing the 19-year-old can be beneficial for the Red Devils.
The outlet ends their report by stating: ‘United would thus have a low-cost option on the table to reinforce their defence. It still involves a significant gamble. Balde would be the most established target. Salinas appears as a cost-effective and promising option that is also being considered in England.’
Manchester United must decide whether to sign Balde, Salinas or bet on another target late in the window.
