Manchester United are continuing discussions over a potential move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
Romano revealed that United remain in contact with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, as they try to find a workable structure for a deal.
The Spain international has been one of the most widely discussed transfer targets in recent days, with a loan arrangement the preferred route for the Red Devils.
Romano stressed, however, that Balde himself has no desire to leave the Catalan club unless Barcelona formally signal they are willing to accept a proposal.
“Balde wants to stay, loves Barcelona as a club and as a city, so he doesn’t want to go,” Romano said, outlining the player’s current stance on his future.
United’s interest has been driven largely by fitness concerns surrounding Luke Shaw, who has struggled to maintain the level of availability required across Premier League and Champions League football.
Sources told ESPN that the Red Devils have been closely monitoring Balde’s situation at the Camp Nou because of those concerns over Shaw’s ability to play three games a week.
Romano also noted that United are attempting to alter the financial conditions attached to the deal, with the current asking price considered too steep at this stage.
“Manchester United remain in contact with the agent of the player, Jorge Mendes, about this opportunity, but at the moment for Man Utd all the conditions of the deal change or this is too expensive,” Romano stated.
A loan with an option to buy is the structure United are pushing for, and a face-to-face meeting is expected to prove pivotal in deciding whether the move can be completed.
Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall had been United’s primary target at left-back, but the Magpies have firmly shut the door on any deal for the young defender.
Newcastle’s new manager Matthias Jaissle publicly declared over the weekend that there is “no chance” Hall departs, effectively ending that particular pursuit from United’s perspective.
With Hall unavailable, attention has firmly shifted toward Balde as the most viable solution to United’s left-back problem ahead of the busy second half of the season.
The £43 million-valued defender remains one of Barcelona’s key assets, and the Spanish club will not part with him lightly unless conditions strongly favour their position.