United prepare £35m bid to blow Inter Milan out of the water for “elite” Spanish speedster – report

Manchester United are reportedly ready to lock horns with Inter Milan in a red-hot race to sign Alejandro Balde – with INEOS prepared to table a big-money offer for the Spanish defender. Reinforcing the left-hand side The Red Devils are prioritising a much-needed overhaul of the midfield this summer, given the dismal form of Manuel Ugarte and the imminent departure of Casemiro. However, the club are also understood to be targeting reinforcements on the left-hand side, be it a winger or full-back – with the form of Patrick Dorgu set to decide which position is targeted. The Denmark international has been transformed by Michael Carrick as a left-winger after a series of uncertain performances at wing-back under Ruben Amorim. The departed Portuguese tactician criticised the 21-year-old’s abilities in possession earlier in the season, revealing he was “anxious” with the ball and uncertain in the final third. However, Dorgu has been anything but uncertain under Carrick’s tutelage, delivering two imperious performances on the left in the back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, scoring in both games to deliver a resounding message to his former coach. An unfortunate hamstring injury sustained in the win at the Emirates ruled him out until the end of March, but his resurgent form has led the club’s hierarchy to reconsider plans to sign a new winger, instead plotting the capture of another left-back to provide competition to Luke Shaw. Balde in the crosshairs United have identified Balde, FC Barcelona’s flying full-back, as a primary target. A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed a bid “worth around €40 million” in the works, with the Catalan club reluctantly open to a sale. However, GOAL reports Inter have entered the race for the Spain international. The Italian giants are understood to be “monitoring the situation” at Camp Nou as a potential “bidding war” looms this summer. “United are stepping up their efforts to strengthen their left-back position, with Barcelona’s Balde emerging as a top target for the summer transfer window,” the report details. “United are said to be ready to test the waters with an opening gambit, they face stiff competition from Inter, who are also keeping a close eye on the La Masia graduate. “Inter’s entry into the race adds a layer of complexity for the Red Devils, as the Nerazzurri are known for their shrewd work in the market. This multi-club interest could drive the price well beyond United’s initial budget.” Final Thoughts Balde’s profile – a skilful speedster with the ability to offer a constant threat on the overlap – makes him a perfect complement to Shaw, whose injury record makes an alternative option a necessity. However, the Spaniard has not kicked on at Barcelona since bursting onto the scene, and while the Blaugrana retain hope he will soon realise his potential, it’s a risk United should avoid if Inter’s presence drives the price up. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.