Alejandro Balde ‘excited by Man Utd transfer’ but Red Devils face battle to land Barcelona left-back

ALEJANDRO BALDE is “excited” by the prospect of signing for Manchester United before the transfer deadline. But the Red Devils face a battle to agree a fee with Barcelona. Alejandro Balde is on Man Utd’s transfer radar Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The left-back’s Barca future is in major doubt Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Balde, 22, is a product of Barca’s academy but could depart amid competition at left-back from Gerard Martin and new signing Joao Cancelo. According to Spanish outlet Sport, Balde has approved a potential transfer to agent Jorge Mendes. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! Among the Spain international’s options, United are said to be the suitor that “excites” him most. Michael Carrick‘s side are keen to sign a new left-back. Lewis Hall is a long-term target, but a deal is not easy to do. And the Red Devils have also been linked with Arsenal academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly. Barca could approve a Balde sale in a bid to raise funds. Club chiefs are said to have valued him at as much as £38million, but it remains to be seen at which number they would sell to United. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Balde recently addressed his future, saying: “The team is in good shape, it’s been a different pre-season because the World Cup players have come back afterwards. “The team is fine, physically, very well.” Balde made 42 appearances in all competitions last season, including 28 in LaLiga. In total he has played 168 times for his boyhood club since graduating from La Masia. The hometown hero has already won three LaLiga titles and a Copa del Rey during his stint in the first team. Barca are set to kick off their LaLiga campaign against Elche this evening. Balde has NOT been included in the matchday squad, amid speculation about his future. Team-mates Marc Casado and Hector Fort have also been excluded as they face potential exits. Man Utd, meanwhile, started with veteran Luke Shaw at left-back in their 2-0 defeat at Hull on Saturday. Patrick Dorgu is seen as more of an attacking option, while Noussair Mazraoui is more comfortable on the right. Comment now