Man Utd target demands to leave club before transfer deadline after Jorge Mendes talks

Manchester United are edging closer to signing a left-back after super-agent Jorge Mendes held 'talks' with one of their key targets, according to reports.

On Saturday lunchtime, Man United began their Premier League campaign disastrously with a 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium.

The Tigers, who were written off by almost everyone heading into the contest, profited from set-piece situations twice, with goals from defenders Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy handing Carrick only his third league loss as United manager.

Man United's weakness in defending dead balls was exploited, and that wasn't the only area where Sergej Jakirovic's men had joy, with Mohamed Belloumi tormenting Luke Shaw down the right flank.

Shaw couldn't live with the Algerian's skill and agility, as his poor performance only highlighted Carrick's desire to sign another left-back.

United have tracked Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall throughout the transfer window, and the 21-year-old emerged as their top target to replace the long-serving Shaw.

But despite reports suggesting Hall was keen on a move to Old Trafford, the full-back has now been described as 'untouchable' by the Magpies after already selling three of their best players, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

INEOS have been forced to look elsewhere as a result and, according to reports, 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.

Salinas and Diouf are two potential options the club could explore as they aim to provide quality and depth to their squad ahead of the Champions League, but they aren't the only ones on the shortlist.

Alejandro Balde wants to leave Barcelona

On Thursday, Fabrizio Romano revealed on X that Manchester United will step up their interest in Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde after they complete the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton.

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Baleba underwent his medical over the weekend after a £70 million fee was agreed for the Cameroon international, who will pen a five-year contract at Old Trafford.

In the same post, Romano also uncovered that Balde doesn't want to leave Barca, dealing United a potential blow in landing the Spanish international.

A lot can change in three days, though, and according to Spanish outlet SPORT - via Sport Witness - the 22-year-old has changed his mind and now wants to leave the Camp Nou.

The report claims that Balde has given super-agent Jorge Mendes the 'green light' to find him a new club, with Premier League rivals Aston Villa also making an approach to sign him.

However, a move for the Villans is seen as 'difficult' to complete due to their financial problems. Benfica already submitted a €20m (£17.1m) proposal for the La Masia graduate, but Barca want around €40-45m.

Balde was left out of Hansi Flick's squad for their clash against Elche on Sunday night and, when asked about the decision, the German said: ”We have to manage the minutes; I hope to have six players who can play 90 minutes,” he told the media.

“I spoke with Balde this morning and told him that I think he’s not here at 100%, clear your mind, and then we’ll talk.”

That suggests he isn't a part of his long-term plans, and with his contract expiring in June 2028, the Spanish giants could cash in this summer.