Manchester United hold an interest in Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde.
Alejandro Balde emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United a week ago, and the defender has a big decision to make on his future.
Barcelona signed versatile full-back Joao Cancelo last week, increasing the competition for places in defence.
Balde was omitted from Barcelona’s La Liga opener, with manager Hansi Flick urging him to get his head straight, amid all the speculation over his future.
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United’s Alejandro Balde stance
A recent report from Spanish newspaper SPORT noted that Barcelona are looking for around £40 million for Alejandro Balde. There have been enquiries from both Aston Villa and Benfica too.
Manchester United need a left-back, but do not intend to rush into a deal.
ESPN report that United have set out their stance – the club only want to sign Alejandro Balde on loan, with an option to buy.
This is the right move for several reasons.
A loan deal allows United to ‘try before you buy’, to see if the La Masia graduate can adapt to Premier League football.
United can also see how Balde holds up physically. He missed time due to injury last season, and a loan move protects United in case the move is not a success.
The Marcus Rashford treatment
Manchester United’s stance is the perfect way to respond to Barcelona.
The La Liga side refused to pay a transfer fee for Marcus Rashford, only agreeing to a loan deal last season.
They then chose not to take up their purchase option, messing both United and Rashford around.
United are well within their rights to enter negotiations for Alejandro Balde in the same manner, insisting on a loan. Just like Barcelona did with Rashford.
Paying Barcelona’s asking price straight-up would be a weak manoeuvre from United, and we are glad to see them approaching this one by giving them the ‘Marcus Rashford treatment’.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/Smh1wsv