Barcelona defender unlikely to join Manchester United despite talks of a late attempt | OneFootball

The summer transfer window has entered its final few hours and FC Barcelona seem to have completed most of their activity on deadline day.

Following the signing of Gabriel Jesus, sporting director Deco confirmed that there will be no more arrivals, closing the door on a potential move for Ruud Nijstad.

Meanwhile, as far as exits are concerned, Guille Fernandez has signed for Mallorca and Marc Casado is on his way to Deportivo de A Coruna on loan.

There has been some chatter surrounding the future of Alejandro Balde as well, with Manchester United being linked with the Barcelona left-back again.

Move unlikely

However, according to Fabrizio Romano, barring any last-minute surprises, Balde is unlikely to leave Barcelona for Manchester United this transfer deadline day.

Not going anywhere. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The Red Devils have held an interest in the 22-year-old left-back for some time now and have held talks with his agent, Jorge Mendes, over a potential move.

However, they pulled out of the deal due to the economic demands of Barcelona and the player, citing the operation as too costly.

Nonetheless, reports in Spain suggested today that the Premier League heavyweights were ready to make a final push on deadline day to try and sign Balde, given their problems in the left-back position.

But unless something drastic happens, there will be no such move for the La Masia graduate, and he will continue at Barcelona.

Balde never wanted to leave

Balde, for his part, has never entertained the possibility of leaving Barcelona and has throughout maintained that he wished to stay and succeed at the club.

Xavi Espart is ahead of Balde. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

That has been the academy product’s stance even though he has fallen down the pecking order under Hansi Flick this term.

After all, Balde is the only senior team member yet to play a single minute of football in La Liga, with Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo ahead of him at the moment.

Barça were understood to be open to attractive offers for the defender, but none have arrived so far.

And, despite the murmurs, it appears like Manchester United will not be making a deadline-day push for Balde, meaning he will remain at the Spotify Camp Nou.