Alejandro Balde was left out of Barcelona’s 5-0 win over Elche as Hansi Flick suspected he was not focussed amid speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.
It was reported last week that United had made an approach for Balde as they look to sign a new left-back before the end of the summer transfer window.
Michael Carrick is keen to provide some cover and competition for Luke Shaw ahead of Manchester United’s return to the Champions League this season.
England international Lewis Hall was United’s first-choice target and interested in a move to Old Trafford but Newcastle United made it clear he was not for sale.
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As a result Manchester United have turned their attentions to Barcelona academy graduate Balde, who has made over 150 appearances for the La Liga champions.
Balde, 22, is contracted to Barca for another two years and has an unattainable release clause in his current deal worth €1 billion.
But Spanish outlet SPORT claim Barcelona bosses are willing to cash in on Balde for around 45m euros (£38m) as they look to raise funds following another summer of significant spending.
It was initially reported that Barca had no desire to sell Balde but the player himself is believed to be pushing for a summer move and would be open to joining Manchester United.
Barcelona boss Flick left Balde out of his matchday squad for Sunday’s emphatic win over Elche and SPORT insist that is another sign a summer deal could be on the cards.
Explaining Balde’s absence in his pre-match interview, Flick said: ‘I spoke with Alejandro this morning and told him that I think he’s not here at 100%. Clear your mind and then we’ll talk.’
Addressing the situation in his post-match press conference, the Barca boss added: ‘I have not told Alejandro Balde to leave.
‘I spoke with him this morning, I told him to think about it and that we’ll talk again tomorrow.’
Manchester United are not alone in expressing interest in Balde, with Aston Villa and Benfica also believed to be keeping tabs on his situation.
Benfica have in fact already approached Barcelona with a deal but the offer was immediately knocked back due to the fees involved, which remain unknown.
Balde has made seven appearances for Spain but none since 2023 and was left out of Luis de la Fuente’s World Cup-winning squad earlier in the summer.
The talented left-back hinted he was keen to join Manchester United back in 2020 when he took part in a quick-fire Q&A with Mundo Deportivo on TikTok.
When asked, ‘A club other than Barcelona?’, Balde simply replied: ‘United.’
Carrick’s Manchester United began their Premier League campaign with a disappointing 2-0 defeat at newly-promoted Hull City, the favourites to finish bottom this season.
The Red Devils will be desperate to clinch their first win of the season next weekend when another new Premier League side, Ipswich Town, visit the Theatre of Dreams.
England’s Anthony Gordon, who moved to the Nou Camp in a £70m transfer from Newcastle, made two assists as Barcelona thrashed Elche 5-0 in their La Liga opener.
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