Man Utd Take The Lead In Race To Sign Alejandro Balde

Alejandro Balde has spent five years and four full seasons at Barcelona so far, where he has earned a reputation as one of the world's brightest young defensive stars with incredible potential.

However, his injury record could be deemed a slight concern. Balde has suffered a muscle injury and two hamstring injuries across the last two seasons, leaving him out of action for 90 days.

Despite these injuries, Balde has established himself as Barcelona's first-choice left-back over the last four years, making over 40 appearances in three of those years, including last season.

His exciting qualities and abilities are what caught the eyes of the masses, demonstrating his pace, agility, and skill- something that is not usually customary for a standard full-back.

It is no secret that Luke Shaw is not the fastest player in the league, meaning that Balde would provide Manchester United with something completely different in their defence, although he will not be as conservative defensively as Shaw, his attacking qualities and athleticism would be a breath of fresh air for the squad.

According to Actualite Barca, a transfer between Barcelona and Manchester United for Balde is on now more than ever before.

"The player has three offers on the table, and Manchester United is leading the race to secure his services."

"Balde's departure is not yet imminent, and the situation may require a few more days before his definitive future is known.

They have also reported that "Balde wants Barcelona to let him know that he needs to leave. He wants to stay and fight for his place, but he feels that the club are pushing him to leave."

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also given a somewhat cryptic response to the rumours around the left-back. "Alejandro Balde? I spoke with Balde this morning and told him that, in my opinion, he is not 100% ready. That he should sort out his thoughts, and then we will discuss it."

Nothing is confirmed yet; however, the story has taken a drastic turn in the last 48 hours, from United being unsure about the player's situation to Barcelona reportedly not wanting Balde.

The match against Hull City on Saturday was an absolute disaster for United, exposing the squad's unforgivable lack of fitness and identity; however, it could be a blessing in disguise.

Before the fixture, the only left-back target linked concretely to United was Lewis Hall, and with Newcastle seemingly refusing to budge on their stance that he is not for sale, that didn't look likely.

Furthermore, in response to these reports, United did not seem particularly desperate to find another target, suggesting that Shaw and Harry Amass would be enough. However, after being embarrassed by Hull, the club seemed to have realised that they could not afford to start a season with 31-year-old Shaw as their main left-back.

However, another potential issue also came from the match in the form of Patrick Dorgu. An awful performance on the wing has led many fans to question his true position yet again, suggesting the club may be desperate for a left winger rather than a left-back.

With it being too late in the window now to change the club's priority signing, it is almost a guarantee that United will be after a full-back, and Alejandro Balde has overtaken Lewis Hall as the most likely candidate for the Red Devils.