Man Utd contact representatives of Spain international to express interest as they step up 'priority' signing

As the final days of the transfer window approach, Manchester United are stepping up their search for a new left-back.

For months, United have been tracking the availability of Newcastle's Lewis Hall, with reports claiming that the 21-year-old was among their top transfer targets coming into the 2026-27 campaign.

It was also suggested that Hall was keen on a move to Old Trafford but following the departures of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, two of Newcastle's big hitters, the full-back has been deemed untouchable by the Magpies.

As a result, INEOS have been forced to look elsewhere. Teenage left-back Jorge Salinas from Racing Santander has been linked alongside West Ham's El Hadji Malick Diouf, who impressed at the World Cup with Senegal.

One thing is for certain: United want a new left-back to provide competition and rotation for Luke Shaw as they prepare for life in the Champions League. So, what about Barcelona's Alejandro Balde?

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United have been in touch with Balde’s camp to understand if a deal could be made.

"Manchester United keep looking for new left back, next priority after Baleba deal," wrote Romano on X. "There have been calls with Alejandro Balde’s camp over last days to understand if exit is possible and conditions."

Balde has admirers at Manchester United. Image credit: Getty

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano says he expects United to sign a left-back as he provided more details on Balde's situation at the Camp Nou.

"Something I can reveal to you today, according to my information, is that Manchester United made a call to Jorge Mendes, the agent of Alejandro Balde, to understand the situation of the Spanish left-back at Barcelona," he began.

"Today, Jorge Mendes has arrived in Barcelona to discuss, especially about exits. He was there for Joao Cancelo's arrival, but not only (that). Marc Casado, for example, is a client of Jorge Mendes and they have to decide about his next destination because he is leaving Barcelona.

"Alejandro Balde... what is the situation? Barcelona and Balde share a great relationship. Balde is a Barca boy. Balde, in principle, doesn't want to leave Barcelona. Balde would go only if it's Barcelona telling Balde, okay, you can go, we can sell you."

Romano continued: "Then we have to see what happens because, in case of a big proposal, I don't know what's going to happen. For sure, what I can mention, is that there is a conversation that took place between Man United and Jorge Mendes to understand the situation around the boy."

Alejandro Balde named Manchester United as one of his favourite clubs

Speaking as part of a quickfire Q&A video with Mundo Deportivo in 2022, Spain international Balde was asked to name his favourite club other than Barcelona. He didn't need to long to think about his answer - Manchester United.