Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has said he has not told Alejandro Balde to leave the club this summer.
Balde was not in the squad as Barcelona opened their La Liga campaign with a 5-0 win at Elche, as speculation mount over the full-back’s future.
The Spanish champions are reportedly open to a sale if a significant offer arrives, but Flick has denied telling Balde that he has not future at the Camp Nou.
“I have not told Alejandro Balde to leave. I spoke with him this morning, I told him to think about it [his situation at the club] and that we’ll talk again tomorrow.”
Gerard Martin started at left-back against Elche, while Joao Cancelo has returned to the club from Al-Hilal on a free transfer,
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Manchester United have contacted Balde’s agent, Jorge Mendes, to discuss the conditions of a potential deal.
The Premier League side want to add a left-back to their squad before the deadline, having been frustrated in a pursuit of Newcastle’s Lewis Hall.
United want competition and cover for Luke Shaw ahead of the added work-load of a Champions League campaign. However, any move hinges on Barcelona and Balde’s financial demands.
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