United contact Balde's camp over left-back move but Barcelona star happy to stay

Manchester United have reached out to the camp of Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde as they search for defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes, but the 22-year-old is reported to be happy at the Nou Camp and not seeking a move.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that United made calls to both the club and the player’s representatives over recent days to assess the feasibility of a deal. Despite the interest, the response has been discouraging, with Balde understood to have no desire to leave Barcelona, where he remains a key figure under Hansi Flick. The Spaniard played 42 games across all competitions last season before hamstring and muscle injuries ruled him out of a combined 10 matches.

United’s need for a left-back has been sharpened by the expected departure of youngster Harry Amass and the continued injury concerns surrounding Luke Shaw, who, despite staying fit throughout last season, has a well-documented history of fitness problems. Patrick Dorgu has been considered as an option further forward rather than as a conventional full-back, leaving the position thinly covered.

Before turning to Balde, United explored the possibility of signing Lewis Hall from Newcastle United. However, Newcastle are firmly opposed to selling another key player this window, having already parted with Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimaraes. A deal is considered highly unlikely unless Hall himself agitates for a move and United submit an offer Newcastle cannot refuse.

Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has publicly expressed his confidence that the 19-year-old will remain at the Emirates Stadium this summer, effectively closing that door.

The left-back search runs alongside United’s broader midfield rebuild. Manager Michael Carrick has already secured the signings of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for a combined £85 million, and the club are closing in on a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who is expected to be the next signing confirmed.