Alejandro Balde remains at Barcelona as Manchester United interest cools

Alejandro Balde is expected to stay at Barcelona past the summer transfer deadline despite ongoing speculation linking the defender to Manchester United. Manchester United previously held discussions with agent Jorge Mendes regarding the 22-year-old left-back but opted against a move due to the total economic cost of the deal. While reports from Spain suggested a potential late attempt by the Premier League club to address their defensive needs, no such transfer is planned. Balde has maintained his desire to remain at Barcelona and fight for a place in the squad under Hansi Flick. The defender currently finds himself behind Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo in the team's defensive rotation, having not appeared in any La Liga matches this season. Barcelona confirmed their incoming transfer business is concluded following the signing of Gabriel Jesus.

• 6:50 PMYahoo Sports — Barcelona defender unlikely to join Manchester United despite talks of a late attempt