Barcelona aims to sell Balde to fund January defensive signings

Barcelona is considering the exit of Alejandro Balde as crucial for their plans in the January transfer window. Recent defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have highlighted the need for defensive reinforcements. The club is open to loan or permanent offers for Balde, who has fallen out of favor under Hansi Flick, but seeks a significant financial return. Barcelona has identified targets including Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus and young centre-back Finn Jeltsch from Stuttgart, with both players expected to strengthen their defense. Balde's agent, Jorge Mendes, is exploring offers in the Premier League and Serie A, with interest from teams such as Roma, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham.

• 10:40 AMYahoo Sports — Barcelona view out-of-favour defender’s exit as key to signing reinforcements in January