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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keeping a close eye on 18-year-old Barcelona full-back

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Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde being eyed by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde being eyed by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is interested in signing Barcelona star Alejandro Balde after his breakout season with the Blaugrana, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (h/t Mirror).

The Red Devils are eyeing a move for the 18-year-old. French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the left-back.

Balde’s current contract with the Catalan outfit expires in the summer of 2024. As a result, the Old Trafford side hope to get the Spain international in a cut-price deal.

Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde being eyed by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen on Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde. (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

The Parisians currently boast Nuno Mendes and Juan Bernat in the left-back position. The Portuguese has been a regular first-team player at the Parc des Princes since moving to the club last year.

As for United, Ten Hag can count on Luke Shaw. The England international has been in fine form for the Red Devils in the current campaign. Initially, the 27-year-old had lost his place in the team, but the Dutch manager has counted on the England international in recent fixtures.

The former Southampton star also was pivotal for Gareth Southgate at the 2022 World Cup. He was a key member of the Three Lions team in Qatar. However, England lost to France in the quarter-finals.

Ten Hag also has Tyrell Malacia in the squad. The Holland international had pipped Shaw in the pecking order at the start of this term.

Balde is a product of the famous La Masia academy. The 18-year-old has forced his way into Xavi Hernandez’s plans this season. In the current campaign, the youngster has started 12 games for the Blaugrana in La Liga.

The left-back has displaced Jordi Alba at Barcelona as the first choice. He also made it into Luis Enrique’s World Cup squad and featured for Spain in Qatar.

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Thus, it remains to be seen whether the Catalan outfit will be willing to let go of their talented prospect. However, United have enough depth in the team for now.