Manchester United eye Balde but push for loan, not permanent transfer

Alejandro Balde's future has become one of the hottest topics as the summer transfer window winds down at Barcelona. The 22-year-old left back trained as usual with his teammates, yet his absence from the squad list for the match against Elche makes it clear the club has put him on the market. Several European sides have shown interest in his situation, and the one generating the most buzz right now is Manchester United.

• Balde trained normally but was left out of the squad against Elche, confirming he's available for transfer.
• Manchester United are searching for reinforcement at left back and view Balde as an attractive option.
• The English club would rather take him on loan with an option to buy than commit to a full transfer fee.
• Barcelona, meanwhile, will only sanction a departure if it comes with a permanent sale that brings in funds.
• Jorge Mendes, the player's agent, is talking to both clubs to try to speed up any potential deal.

Why Balde has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona

Joao Cancelo's emergence as a regular starter at left back, combined with Xavi Espart getting the nod in recent matches, has sharply reduced Balde's chances of meaningful minutes this season. The academy graduate, once considered one of the brightest talents to come through La Masia and the senior squad, now finds himself blocked by internal competition in a position he used to own outright.

That drop in standing within Hansi Flick's plans largely explains why the club isn't standing in the way of a potential exit, provided the move brings in a fee that makes financial sense for Barcelona.

What kind of deal Manchester United want to strike

Reports indicate United haven't ruled out Balde as an option to strengthen their left flank, but they'd rather avoid committing to a full transfer fee upfront. The structure being considered at Old Trafford is a loan with an option to buy, a common approach in English football that allows a club to trial a player before locking in a bigger long-term investment.

That preference runs directly against Barcelona's stance, since the Catalan club would rather sell outright than loan out one of their academy products without guaranteed income up front. Barcelona need cash flow and are reluctant to let Balde go without receiving a fee that lets them reinforce other areas of the squad.

Where Barcelona would reinvest any sale money

The club already has a fairly clear idea of where any funds from a Balde sale would go. The priority is bringing in a left-footed center back to add balance to the defense, though part of the money could also be earmarked for the attack if an appealing opportunity comes up before the market closes.

Jorge Mendes' role in the negotiations

The influential Portuguese agent is reportedly in direct contact with both Barcelona and Manchester United, trying to find common ground that works for all parties involved. His involvement could prove decisive in the coming hours, with the transfer window closing fast and any agreement needing to be finalized quickly if Balde is indeed set for a change of scenery.

What could happen before the transfer window shuts

With time running out, all sides will need to settle their positions soon. If United won't budge from wanting a loan and Barcelona keep insisting on an outright sale, the move might not materialize this window, leaving Balde in an awkward spot within the squad for the rest of the season.