Manchester United have been told in no uncertain terms that 'one of the best left-backs in the world' is not for sale at any price after they made their interest known, according to reports.
The Reds will be looking to strengthen this summer after a successful 2025 that included the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens, who have all hit the ground running at Old Trafford.
As well as targeting a central midfielder to replace the outgoing Casemiro, United are said to be keen on bringing in a capable left-back, with several names being thrown around the rumour mill of late.
Barcelona's Alejandro Balde has been monitored by the club's recruitment team for some time and Mundo Deportivo claim United are prepared to offer €40 million (£33.5m) to secure his services.
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However, the figure is expected to fall short of Barca's valuation.
United are also said to be admirers of Inter Milan wing-back Federico Dimarco, who is enjoying one of his best campaigns after being named in the Serie A Team of the Year for the past two seasons.
In fact, Dimarco is just one assist away from matching the Serie A record for the most assists in a single season after notching another two in Saturday’s 2-0 win away against Lecce.
The 28-year-old has recorded 15 assists in 24 appearances in Italy's top flight this season.
Unsurprisingly, United appear to be interested in a deal to sign Dimarco, with a club representative attending Inter Milan's clash against Juventus on February 14 to 'get a closer look at Dimarco', according to Italian outlet L'Interista.
However, the report goes on to suggest that United's hopes of signing the Italy international have been dashed after 'one phone call'.
"Interest from Manchester United? Everyone would like to see Dimarco up close," the report states. "Seeing the best left-back in the world is a dream for many, they probably need to take a plane to see a top-class player."
It added: "One phone call was enough to understand that Inter would never let him go, just as Dimarco would never leave Inter."
Federico Dimarco named 'one of the best in the world' by Roberto Carlos
Former Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos, who is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs of all time, is a big fan of Dimarco.
“He is one of the best left-backs in the world, I hope he always plays well. That's the most important thing,” Carlos said ahead of the Champions League final between Inter and Paris Saint-Germain in May.
Topics: Man Utd, Transfers, Premier League, Inter Milan
Jack Kenmare