Benfica submit offer for Alejandro Balde

Manchester United’s transfer business is set to go down to the wire this week.

Michael Carrick has plenty on his plate as the window edges towards its final days.

The Red Devils’ defence has come under scrutiny following a difficult start to the campaign.

United’s 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Hull at the weekend only intensified calls for fresh additions at the back.

Left-back has emerged as a particular area of focus for Carrick’s recruitment team.

Alejandro Balde is one name that has repeatedly been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Benfica submit offer for Balde

According to SPORT, Benfica have now submitted a formal offer for the Barcelona defender as his exit edges closer.

The Portuguese club’s proposal is understood to sit in the region of €20million, below Barcelona’s valuation.

Barca are reportedly holding out for a fee closer to £34-39million before sanctioning a sale.

Manchester United have also been credited with interest in Alejandro Balde, though Carrick’s side are yet to make formal contact.

Reports have suggested United hold an additional interest in Racing Club’s Jorge Salinas as a left-back alternative.

RB Leipzig’s David Raum has also been mooted, with the German international offered as a potential signing.

Balde himself was left out of Hansi Flick’s squad entirely for Barcelona’s opening LaLiga fixture against Elche.

That decision has been widely read as a strong hint that his Camp Nou exit is now imminent.

United made contact over a potential deal for the 22-year-old earlier last week, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Carrick’s side could look to accelerate their efforts as the closing days of the window approach.

United are far from alone in the race for Balde’s signature, however.

The defender currently has three separate offers on the table.

Manchester United are said to lead that race, despite the level of competition circling.

Aston Villa have also been credited with interest, though Unai Emery’s side may need to raise funds through player sales first.

Balde’s representatives, including Jorge Mendes, have already held talks with Barcelona over his future this month.

Barcelona’s own stance appears to be softening, with the club increasingly open to a sale before deadline day.

Whether United move decisively before Monday’s cut-off remains the key question hanging over Old Trafford’s transfer business.