Man Utd hold initial talks over move for Barcelona star amid Marcus Rashford standoff

Manchester United have enquired into a move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, according to reports in Spain.

While rebuilding their midfield is a top priority this summer, United are also considering bringing options at left-back and left wing.

Newcastle United star Lewis Hall is on their radar while there is also interest in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown.

But according to Mundo Deportivo, United are also closely monitoring 22-year-old Balde with figures at Old Trafford believing he could thrive in the Premier League.

Manchester City and Aston Villa have also registered their interest in the Spain international but at this stage there have been no formal talks over a move away from the Camp Nou.

Balde is not currently considering a move away but while Barcelona have no plans to sell him, a substantial offer could be considered given the club’s financial situation.

Balde is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy having made his senior debut in 2021. He has been a regular under Hansi Flick, starting 18 of Barcelona’s 29 games this season.

United’s interest in Balde emerges with the club currently in a stand-off of sorts with Barcelona over the future of Marcus Rashford.

The England international has spent the 2025-26 season on loan with the La Liga side and is eager to make the move permanent.

The loan move that took him to Catalonia included a purchase option of £26million with Barcelona eager to keep him.

But there is growing speculation suggesting Barcelona are reluctant to meet that number and will attempt to renegotiate a lower price or even attempt to agree another loan move for next season.

United will not budge however and will not enter any fresh talks over the terms of that proposed permanent move.

United are prepared to let Rashford return to the first-team squad if Barcelona do not pay up and are also confident they could negotiate a higher fee with another club in order to move him on.

While Rashford would prefer to stay in Barcelona, he has not ruled out returning to Manchester with Michael Carrick thought to be open to integrating him should he be named permanent manager this summer.