Balde ready for Man Utd move with asking price given by Barca as Rashford says 'welcome'

Manchester United have an asking price for Alejandro Balde who is in poll position to join now with Marcus Rashford also sharing "welcome" message.

Contact over a move for the 22-year-old Barcelona fullback has already been made by United who are looking to reduce the valuation of £34.2 million to a figure in the region of the mid-20 millions.

United are understood to believe the higher valuation is excessive, particularly with the club initially preferring a loan deal which is not wanted by Barca.

Balde told Barcelona that he wants to remain in Catalonia, despite uncertainty over his position under Hansi Flick but he is understood to be more flexible about a move after speaking with his agent Jorge Mendes.

The defender was left out of Barcelona's opening league squad, with Flick subsequently indicated that Balde needed to clear his mind and focus on his situation.

Balde's position at Barcelona has also become less secure following the return of Joao Cancelo, while Gerard Martin is also competing for minutes.

That has opened the possibility of a move, with United looking for competition for Luke Shaw and a longer-term solution at left-back.

Marcus Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, and he responded to a Balde Instagram post with the message: "Welcome bro."

While Rashford obviously won't have a say in the negotiations, and his own future at the club is not definite, it clearly suggests that a move is on the cards.

It shows that Balde would be well received by Rashford and he is influencing him in coming to United with the player having been reluctant.

Balde would give Michael Carrick a different option on the left.

The Spain international is quick, aggressive going forward and comfortable carrying the ball out from defence. His ability to drive into space would give United another outlet on the flank and could complement the attacking players ahead of him.

At 22, he also fits the club's preference for recruiting players who can develop into long-term assets.

Barcelona are prepared to listen to offers and with the player now showing willingness to move it appears now to be all down to a price and maybe a compromise would be around £30 million.