Manchester United in mix for last-minute signing – Friday developments
by Naveen Ullal · Sport WitnessManchester United want a sign a left-back this summer and have Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde as an option.
Jorge Mendes represents the 22-year-old, who came up through the ranks of Barcelona’s youth system.
On Friday, Sport Witness covered a report explaining that Manchester United contacted the agent to ask about the conditions to sign him.
The representative also manages Barca’s João Cancelo, Lamine Yamal and Marc Casadó, Karim Adeyemi and Guille Fernández.
He was in Barcelona for Cancelo’s switch to the Camp Nou and for talks with the La Liga winners about Balde and Casadó. On Friday, the super-agent met the latter two.
Manchester United keen on Barcelona player
Saturday’s print editions of Sport, AS and Mundo Deportivo all cover this meeting and Manchester United’s interest in Alejandro Balde.
Sport states Jorge Mendes held a meeting with Marc Casadó for two hours at Meliá Torre Melina on Friday. He also met the fullback, whose future at the Camp Nou remains uncertain.
That’s because Hansi Flick has doubts about him and has João Cancelo to cover that role.
Therefore, he and his representative are analysing different options. Only the Red Devils get a mention because they have shown the ‘most interest’ in him.
His desire is to stay, however, the ‘team’s current situation and the offers he has on the table are forcing him to reconsider.’
Manchester United pushing
AS are reporting Alejandro Balde’s future, for now, is at Barcelona, and Hansi Flick also agrees with it. This slightly contradicts Sport’s claim of the manager’s doubts.
Either way, the Spain international may have to settle for a limited role following João Cancelo’s arrival.
Michael Carrick’s side, likely sensing an opportunity, are ‘tempting’ him to join them.
Cancelo spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona and has now secured a permanent move.
The Portugal international will start ahead of Balde, who is well aware of the role he can have this season.
Jorge Mendes has told the defender about Manchester United’s interest, and he has to decide whether to stay or leave Barcelona.