United make move for explosive Spanish defender, substantial offer could lead to major transfer – report

Manchester United are among the clubs interested in signing Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde. The two clubs remain in contact to find a consensus over Marcus Rashford‘s permanent move to Barcelona. The Blaugrana want to turn the Englishman’s loan into a permanent deal, having been impressed with his goalscoring prowess. The La Liga giants are reluctant to trigger the already agreed-upon £26 million buy option clause due to their financial predicament. As such, more discussions are expected to take place to resolve Rashford’s future.  United appear to be using the open line of communication to explore the possibility of bringing in Balde to Old Trafford. Manchester United initiate contact for Alejandro Balde According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Alejandro Balde has “firm interest” from the Premier League, with Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa all keen on securing his services.  It is claimed the trio have already made approaches to enquire about the Spaniard’s situation at Camp Nou. A product of La Masia, the left-back is highly admired in La Liga for his explosive pace and exceptional ball progression. However, the 22-year-old has struggled with persistent injury issues over the last three seasons. The likes of United are seemingly willing to offer Balde a change of scenario. Still, it is understood that the Barca youngster has no desire to change clubs. Barcelona’s present stance is also to keep hold of him. However, the La Liga leaders could reportedly change their position if there is a “substantial offer”, provided the full-back is also open to a move. Manchester United also monitoring Fulham left-back It remains unclear how much, if at all, United would push to convince Balde to join their project, especially as the Spain international is not the only name on their shortlist of left-back targets.  United are looking to add genuine competition for the ageing Luke Shaw, with Tyrell Malacia set to be allowed to leave on a free transfer at the end of the campaign. On Wednesday, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United are interested in Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson. It was suggested that the Mancunians’ chances of signing the USMNT star have improved following Liverpool’s decision to drop out of the race for his signature. Feature image Judit Cartiel via Getty Images 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 Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!