Manchester United are on alert as Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde could be on the move in January. The 23-year-old Spain international’s uncertain future is the headline story in Monday’s transfer gossip — and it could spark a merry-go-round involving Lisandro Martinez heading the other way.
Alejandro Balde (Credits: BBC Sport)
Manchester United Transfer Gossip: Balde Interest and a Martinez Swap?
According to Record (via Marca), Balde could leave Barcelona in the winter window, with United showing interest. And if the left-back does go, the Mirror reports it could free up room for Barcelona to sign Lisandro Martinez, 28, from United — a potential straight swap narrative to watch.
United’s January planning does not stop there. The Mail claims the club could sell Bruno Fernandes, 32, rather than risk losing their captain on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer. Football Insider adds that Marcus Rashford, 29, will explore a move away if he is not getting regular starts once he returns from injury — while Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, 25, could also be a United target, per Teamtalk.
Liverpool’s Van Dijk Succession Plan and the Rest of the Rumor Mill
Liverpool are already planning for life after Virgil van Dijk, 35. Per Caught Offside, the Reds have shortlisted Nottingham Forest‘s Murillo, 24, and Borussia Dortmund‘s Nico Schlotterbeck, 26, as eventual replacements for the Dutch captain.
Elsewhere: Real Madrid are eyeing Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen, 24, as a long-term successor to the 34-year-old Thibaut Courtois (Fichajes). Tottenham remain keen on Morgan Gibbs-White, 26, for a January move (Football Insider). Barcelona and Real Madrid are both still chasing Pedro Porro, 27, undeterred by Spurs’ £62m asking price (Sport). And Arsenal face competition from AC Milan, Aston Villa and Roma for Endrick, 20, from Real Madrid (Calcio Mercato).
Also Read: Man United Meltdown Edition: Every Transfer Target Linked as United Chase Midfield Fixes | Liverpool vs Arsenal: How Andoni Iraola Is Turning Anfield Into a Fortress Again
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.