Monaco join Manchester United in race to sign Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde

Monaco have entered the race to sign Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde during the upcoming winter transfer window, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

The French principality club are seeking to strengthen at left-back and are prepared to compete with Manchester United, who want to bring in the Spain international in January.

Monaco are expected to make €40m available for Balde, although a deal could prove difficult because of interest from several English clubs. Manchester United are currently regarded as the leading rival in the pursuit of the Barcelona defender.

Balde has begun reviewing the proposals available to him with his agent, Jorge Mendes, after falling out of Hans Flick’s plans at Barcelona.

Manchester United are not the only Premier League club monitoring the 21-year-old. Tottenham, Aston Villa and Liverpool have also been reported as interested in signing him.

In Italy, Juventus remain the most prominent club pursuing Balde, while Roma are also said to be following the situation.

The left-back has seen his position in the Barcelona squad decline and is now third in the pecking order for the role, behind Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart. As a result, he has not been featuring for the Catalan club.

Balde has made 172 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing 21 assists. His current situation has led him and Mendes to consider the offers arriving from clubs in England, Italy and Monaco ahead of the January window.