United close in on three left-back targets worth £77m as Baleba deal nears completion

Manchester United are targeting three left-back options worth a combined £77m as Michael Carrick’s side moves to resolve its final piece of summer business, with Carlos Baleba’s £70m move from Brighton understood to be close to completion.

The arrival of Baleba would complete United’s midfield reshuffle, but a backup for Luke Shaw on the left side of defence remains the outstanding priority. Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Hull City underlined the urgency, and three reported targets have each reportedly indicated their willingness to make the move to Old Trafford.

Alejandro Balde — £34m

Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde is the most eye-catching name on the list. Catalan newspaper Sport has reported the 22-year-old Spain international has already given his approval for a switch, with the Catalan club allegedly open to selling for as little as £34m following the emergence of Xavi Espart and the return of Joao Cancelo to Camp Nou.

Balde was absent from Barcelona’s 5-0 win over Elche on Sunday, with manager Hansi Flick publicly stating the defender “doesn’t think he’s here 100 per cent.” The player carries a symbolic £855m release clause, reflecting how highly he has been valued at the club, but his situation suggests a deal at a fraction of that figure could be possible.

David Raum — £30m

RB Leipzig’s David Raum offers a more experienced alternative at 28. The Germany international has entered the final 12 months of his contract, and GiveMeSport has reported Leipzig are keen to sell, with Raum having been offered to United. United’s director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is said to have a prior relationship with the player from his time at Leipzig, though Vivell departed the club in the same summer Raum arrived from Hoffenheim.

“David has developed brilliantly in the past two years and established himself as a regular for club and country,” Vivell previously said. “He’s quick, dynamic, can strike the ball and is extremely dangerous from set pieces and crosses.”

Like Shaw, Raum is comfortable both pushing forward down the left flank and cutting into central channels, and has previously been deployed in midfield roles.

With Baleba’s deal reportedly over the line, United’s focus now narrows to securing a left-back before the window shuts — and the club appears to have no shortage of willing candidates from which to choose.