Manchester United handed major transfer boost as key target 'up for sale'

The Red Devils have been hamstrung in that position this term, with natural options Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu both struck down with injuries that have kept them out for long spells.

As such, it has forced under-fire manager Michael Carrick to experiment with makeshift solutions in the interim, with right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui both depuitising there, while central defender Ayden Heaven has also been shifted out wide to cover with limited success.

As such, it makes the role a key position that needs strengthening at Old Trafford, with many United fans believing that a left-back should have been signed in the summer.

Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall was thought to be the priority target, but Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde was also a reported option.

Market opportunity: Alejandro Balde

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Should United reignite their interest in the Spaniard, they could well find a deal with their Catalan rivals relatively easy to come by.

That is because The Athletic reports that Hansi Flick’s side want to sell Balde, a stance they have held since the summer transfer window.

They could not sanction a sale of the defender, who was keen to try and play his way back into his manager’s plans despite being told that he was surplus to requirements.

Barcelona’s cash-strapped situtation - as well as their need to raise funds to sign a new left-sided centre-back - will also make them more desperate to sell Balde.

Despite the 23-year-old’s willingness to stay at his boyhood club, he has been limited to just 124 minutes this term.

With Shaw’s contract up at the end of the season and Dorgu not a true left-back under current boss Carrick, a deal for Balde could well prove an enticing, cut-price option for the Red Devils.