Manchester United eyeing Barcelona star with big contract and more transfer rumours

Manchester United are setting their sights on an audacious swoop for highly-rated Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde this summer. That's according to reports from The Express amid ongoing financial concerns at the Camp Nou which could force the Catalan giants into cashing-in on some prized assets.

United have been hit hard at left-back this season. England international Luke Shaw is back in the treatment room after a prior setback, while Tyrell Malacia - the first signing made by Erik ten Hag as United manager - has not made a single appearance this campaign.

Sergio Reguilon was brought in as stop-gap cover last summer, but he returned to Tottenham in January before a follow-up loan to Brentford was sanctioned. United, meanwhile, are gearing-up for their first transfer window with INEOS Group and Sir Jim Ratcliffe on board.

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Investment headed-up by the Failsworth-born billionaire was ratified by the Premier League last month and there have already been one or two significant changes behind the scenes. In turn, that will have a knock-on impact with recruitment strategies and Balde, 20, has been identified as a possible target.

Reports from The Express state the seven-cap Spain international is deemed 'dispensable' by Barcelona if they are required to balance the books with player sales this summer. However, with four years left to run on his deal, there is scope for the Catalan giants to demand a sizable fee.

Elsewhere, reports from Spanish publication Sport reckon that Barcelona have given up on signing United-linked Everton