Manchester United seem set to make a serious move in the market for a left-back.

The Red Devils are close to completing their midfield rebuild, with encouraging discussions still underway with Brighton & Hove Albion over a deal for Carlos Baleba.

Baleba would become United’s third midfield addition after Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Reports indicate INEOS do not intend to stop there, with the club eager to address another problematic position.

Earlier today, Fabrizio Romano indicated that he expects Manchester United to complete two more signings after Carlos Baleba.

The Italian journalist explained that any move for a striker depends on the future of Joshua Zirkzee, while a transfer for a left-back is “almost guaranteed”.

At that stage, he did not identify a specific option for the role. United have, however, been heavily linked with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall and Racing de Santander’s Spanish teenage talent Jorge Salinas.

Romano has now provided a more definite update on United’s efforts to recruit a player who can offer proper competition to Luke Shaw this season.

As per Romano, Manchester United “keep looking” for a new left-back, with that position viewed as the club’s “next priority” once the Baleba deal is done.

More significantly, it is understood that there have been calls in the past few days between United and the representatives of Alejandro Balde.

Romano states that United have made contact over the Barcelona full-back to find out whether a departure from Camp Nou is possible and what would be required to bring him to Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old Spaniard is recognised for his attacking quality and blistering speed. However, Alejandro Balde has found regular game time hard to come by under Hansi Flick because of ongoing injury issues.

Even so, Balde is said to be happy at Barcelona. That means United would need to put in some effort to persuade the La Masia product to make the switch to Old Trafford.