Man Utd reach decision on signing Alejandro Balde with face-to-face meeting in Barcelona crucial

Manchester United will attempt to sign Alejandro Balde on loan with an option to buy, and an upcoming ‘face-to-face’ meeting will be pivotal in determining whether the Barcelona left-back changes clubs.

Man Utd fully intend to sign a new left-back in the final week of the summer transfer window. Luke Shaw started every league game for the Red Devils last term, though with European football back on the agenda, there are serious doubts as to whether Shaw aged 31 and with a history of injuries can play three times a week.

As such, a new face is desired to compete with Shaw and ultimately take his place when the time is right.

Newcastle’s Lewis Hall was Man Utd’s top target, but the Magpies aren’t selling. New manager, Matthias Jaissle, publicly declared over the weekend that there’s “no chance” Hall leaves.

Accordingly, Man Utd are exploring alternatives and one player they’ve made enquiries about signing is Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde.

Calls to his agent, Jorge Mendes, have been made, and Mendes is actively looking for a new club for his client as the window rounds to a close.

At present, Balde’s preference is to remain at the Camp Nou. However, Barcelona are willing to do a deal under the right conditions and if they strike a club-to-club agreement with a prestigious team, the expectation is Balde would warm to the idea of leaving a club where he’s no longer wanted.

The latest from ESPN has verified Man Utd’s interest in signing Balde, though not in the guise many would have expected.

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Man Utd want to loan Alejandro Balde

They stated the Red Devils’ priority would be to loan the 22-year-old, with the deal containing an option – not an obligation – to buy.

It was not made clear in the piece how Barcelona would respond to that type of proposal.

In any case, the report did shed light on Barcelona’s valuation of the player, which gives an indication to how big of a number Man Utd would commit to in their option to buy.

ESPN stated: ‘If Balde is allowed to leave and he shows a desire to move to Old Trafford, United would prefer to negotiate a season-long loan deal with an option to make the move permanent.

‘Barcelona value the Spain international at between €30 million (£26m) and €40m (£34m).

Whether this is a deal that can be made still largely hinges on Balde agreeing to leave his boyhood club, which as mentioned, he would prefer not to do.

And per the report, Barca boss Hansi Flick will soon hold a face-to-face meeting with Balde that will make clear once and for all whether he has a future in Catalonia.

ESPN concluded: ‘Sources have told ESPN that Flick wants a face-to-face meeting with Balde before making a decision on his future.

‘Balde is keen for assurances about his playing prospects this season. Both João Cancelo and Xavi Espart can play in the same position.’

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