Manchester United have ramped up their interest in Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde in the final hours of the transfer window, according to Jijantes FC.

The Spanish outlet reported the development during its deadline-day coverage on Tuesday afternoon, putting the possible move among the key late stories to follow.

United are said to be trying to persuade Balde to leave Barcelona, though there is no indication at this stage that the Red Devils have struck an agreement with either the player or the Spanish club.

The language used by Jijantes FC suggests United have increased their efforts over the last few hours, rather than simply keeping Balde on a longer-term shortlist.

The point about convincing the defender is an important one. It indicates that Balde’s readiness to depart Barcelona could be crucial to whether the proposed loan switch progresses before the window shuts.

Barcelona’s stance is also far from clear. There has been no reported outline of a possible loan arrangement, nor any sign that the Catalan club have decided to approve his exit.

Because of those missing details, this should still be viewed as a developing deadline-day story rather than a transfer close to being completed. More confirmation will be needed before supporters can properly assess how likely it is.

Balde would offer another specialist option at left-back, an area where Luke Shaw and Harry Amass are already among the players available to United.

Greater competition in that position could prove useful as the club weighs broader adjustments in its defensive unit. Balde’s arrival would also hand the coaching staff another option when deciding the shape and balance of the back line.

The defender had already featured in United-related deadline-day reports alongside other possible defensive targets. This latest update goes a step further by indicating that the club have now made a more serious push to land him.

Any late signing would carry practical implications for the current squad. Added competition at left-back could affect the game time of both Shaw and Amass — with the latter potentially moving out on loan or even on a permanent transfer if time allows — while also shaping how United handle future defensive recruitment.

The biggest challenge remains the timing. Convincing the player would only be one part of the process, with United still likely needing Barcelona’s approval as well as enough time to complete the necessary paperwork.

For the moment, Balde is a player to watch closely rather than a deal supporters should treat as certain. United’s reported late push shows clear intent, but plenty would still need to happen before the deadline passes.

Overall credibility: 7/10

Why?

✅ Jijantes are fairly well-regarded for Barcelona news

⚠️ The report has not been backed up by any tier 1 outlets

United may well still be trying to sign Balde, but at this point it looks like a very difficult deal to pull off.