Manchester United are on the lookout for a left-back this summer, and TeamTalk reports that there are a few alternatives to Lewis Hall on the cards.

It comes as the Red Devils prepare for a new season that will be busy in comparison to the previous campaign, with Michael Carrick guiding the club back to the Champions League, adding even more games to the schedule.

As a result, strength in depth is vital, and left-back has been a problem position in years gone by, with Luke Shaw‘s fitness battles underlined by the lack of a long-term challenger to his position.

Newcastle star Hall has emerged as a top candidate to fill that role, but Man United are looking at alternatives who could be cheaper, including a Barcelona star who has been on the radar for a little while.

Manchester United Eye Alejandro Balde

As Man United start to put their plans in place, Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde has emerged as an alternative to Hall, according to TeamTalk.

It’s claimed that the Premier League giants made contact earlier this year about a possible switch for the Spaniard, and his situation is described as being “alive”.

The 22-year-old is entering the final two years under contract at Barcelona, with doubts persisting over his future at the Nou Camp as the club look to address the balance in the squad.

A move for Julian Alvarez and Anthony Gordon could end up helping Man United, with funds needing to be raised to complete both deals, and leading to Balde’s availability.

It remains to be seen whether the club will pursue a move, as Hall is still described as the “dream target” for the position, but it could be a move out of necessity during a transfer window that will need to have funds spread across the team.

What Would Balde Bring To Man United?

If Man United pivot to sign Balde instead of Hall, they could land a player who is not only able to add quality now, but has plenty of promise for the future.

The 22-year-old has shown signs of his ability throughout his career at Barcelona so far, offering mobility and athleticism that allows him to start attacks, get involved further up the pitch, and recover well to defend when needed.

Given how vertical United can be in the way they attack, it’s the sort of profile that could suit the team, with Shaw not quite able to offer the same from left-back.

Balde has been described as a “cheat code” in the buildup phase, an area that the Old Trafford hierarchy is looking to address with the addition of midfielders.

There are some concerns over his physicality, with the full-back suffering several ankle and muscular problems throughout his career, with two of the latter keeping him out for ten games last campaign.

It could be a risk for Man United, but one they may be keen to take if it helps unlock the side moving forward.

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has identified who he wants as his first signing at Anfield after taking over as manager.

The Spaniard has signed a two-year deal to take over from Arne Slot, who was sacked last week following a disappointing campaign in which the Reds finished fifth in the Premier League and without a trophy.

Now all attention turns towards bolstering the squad, with key players Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate all departing at the end of the season, and Iraola is ready to make some additions to get the squad back in competitive shape.

Liverpool Eyeing Alex Scott Deal

According to a report by Sports Boom, Iraola has identified Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as the man he wants to be the first signing of his Anfield revolution.

Scott, who has been described as ‘unbelievable’, has enjoyed a sensational campaign with the Cherries, which has seen his reputation skyrocket, and a number of top clubs pay close attention to his contractual situation.

Bournemouth are desperate to keep hold of the 22-year-old, and are planning to offer him a new contract to reflect his status as a key player. However, it’s understood that Scott is open to a new challenge at this stage of his career, and a new deal at the Vitality Stadium is looking more unlikely.

Liverpool are paying close attention to the situation, and are considering making a move to test the resolve of Bournemouth when it comes to their asking price. It has been reported that he is valued as highly as £60m, but Liverpool are looking at a deal closer to £40m, according to Jamie Dickenson.

Alex Scott Perfect for Liverpool Midfield

Last season Liverpool struggled with their midfield setup, and were regularly overrun despite having quality options like Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Jones has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer as he enters the final year of his contract, and Scott would come in as a direct replacement, bringing energy, quality, and great skill.

Depending on the price of the deal, it would be the perfect first signing for Iraola. Bringing in someone who knows his methods and tactics already will help with adaptation, and Liverpool would have a top young talent ready to make an impact.

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has identified who he wants as his first signing at Anfield after taking over as manager.

The Spaniard has signed a two-year deal to take over from Arne Slot, who was sacked last week following a disappointing campaign in which the Reds finished fifth in the Premier League and without a trophy.

Now all attention turns towards bolstering the squad, with key players Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate all departing at the end of the season, and Iraola is ready to make some additions to get the squad back in competitive shape.

Liverpool Eyeing Alex Scott Deal

According to a report by Sports Boom, Iraola has identified Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as the man he wants to be the first signing of his Anfield revolution.

Scott, who has been described as ‘unbelievable’, has enjoyed a sensational campaign with the Cherries, which has seen his reputation skyrocket, and a number of top clubs pay close attention to his contractual situation.

Bournemouth are desperate to keep hold of the 22-year-old, and are planning to offer him a new contract to reflect his status as a key player. However, it’s understood that Scott is open to a new challenge at this stage of his career, and a new deal at the Vitality Stadium is looking more unlikely.

Liverpool are paying close attention to the situation, and are considering making a move to test the resolve of Bournemouth when it comes to their asking price. It has been reported that he is valued as highly as £60m, but Liverpool are looking at a deal closer to £40m, according to Jamie Dickenson.

Alex Scott Perfect for Liverpool Midfield

Last season Liverpool struggled with their midfield setup, and were regularly overrun despite having quality options like Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Jones has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer as he enters the final year of his contract, and Scott would come in as a direct replacement, bringing energy, quality, and great skill.

Depending on the price of the deal, it would be the perfect first signing for Iraola. Bringing in someone who knows his methods and tactics already will help with adaptation, and Liverpool would have a top young talent ready to make an impact.