Liverpool emerge as rivals to Manchester United in pursuit of Barcelona's Alejandro Balde

Liverpool have entered the race to sign Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, according to reports in Spain, setting up a potential transfer battle with Manchester United for the 21-year-old’s signature.

Spanish publication Sport claims Liverpool are viewing Balde as a “market opportunity”, with manager Andoni Iraola said to be keen on bringing the defender to Anfield. A January move has been floated as a possibility after Balde has struggled to hold down a regular starting place at Barcelona so far this season.

Manchester United are also reported to retain an interest in Balde, having been heavily linked with the Spain international throughout last summer’s transfer window. United ultimately chose not to sign a left-back during that window, instead adding Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba, and goalkeeper Karl Darlow to their squad.

Barcelona are said to value Balde at around €40 million (£34.3m), though his contract at the Camp Nou runs until 2028 and contains a release clause reported to be worth €1 billion (£856m). Inter Milan are also said to be monitoring his situation.

United’s current left-back options are Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu. Tyrell Malacia departed Old Trafford on a free transfer in the summer, which fuelled speculation that the club would move for a replacement. United made an enquiry for Manchester City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri on transfer deadline day earlier this month, but City rejected the approach and the Algerian international remained at the Etihad Stadium.

Whether either club will make a formal move for Balde in January remains to be seen, but the emergence of Liverpool as potential suitors adds a new dimension to a transfer story that has circled United for several months.