Manchester United could be back in for a £38.5m star after the target has found himself on the bench in recent weeks – while a star’s behaviour has been questioned
The Red Devils have made a slow start to the new Premier League season – and with the international break in full swing, Michael Carrick is seemingly already looking at the transfer market for additions to bolster his squad in January.
And Carrick’s side could be ready to move for a left-back they tracked in the summer has fallen out of favour at Barcelona. Alejandro Balde’s move is now back on the cards, according to reports in Spain.
However, his transfer isn’t the only story emerging from the red half of Manchester in the past 24 hours – and Daily Star Sport delves into the latest whispers emanating from Old Trafford as we enter the second week of the international break.
Alejandro Balde move back on the cards
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United may have a chance to secure Alejandro Balde from Barcelona in January, after the player has found himself largely benched at Camp Nou. The Spanish left-back was strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford before ultimately choosing to stay and fight for his position.
However, that fight has so far proven unsuccessful, given that Balde has seen just 12 minutes of action across all competitions. Barca manager Hansi Flick has promoted academy graduate Xavi Espart to the starting left-back role, while summer recruit Joao Cancelo is next in line.
Mundo Deportivo has claimed that being sidelined could prompt Balde to reassess his situation this winter – despite supposed reassurances from agent Jorge Mendes that Balde would be “fine in the future,” reports the Mirror.
JJ Gabriel behaviour questioned
Ex-United assistant coach and scout Mick Brown has suggested JJ Gabriel is burning certain bridges at Old Trafford. Amid talk of a move to another of Europe’s heavyweights, it’s alleged that the rapport between Gabriel and his under-21 team-mates has taken a turn for the worse.
It recently emerged that United denied Gabriel’s request to have his registration cancelled, as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are linked with his signature. “There is the suggestion, of course, that United might be better off without JJ Gabriel,” he told Football Insider.
“Regardless of his obvious talent, this situation has called into question his character and that of the people around him, and is that the type of player you want around the club?
“It’s sad, because the boy is very talented and it’s a shame how this situation has played out in recent times. Interestingly enough, since all of this has kicked off, I’ve watched him closely playing for the academy sides and one thing that interests me is his teammates’ reactions.
“When somebody scores for the Under-21s, all the players go running over, they’re jumping and hugging each other and all of that. But a few times when JJ Gabriel has scored, yes they go and celebrate with him, give him a high five, and then they all trot back and he doesn’t seem to get the same reception.
“Now, I might be reading too much into it, but from my point of view I have to wonder whether his actions have caused issues in the dressing room.”