Barcelona are looking to tie Alejandro Balde down to a new deal after he touted Manchester United as a possible destination.
The young defender, who has quickly established himself as a regular at the Nou Camp, is already earning international recognition with his stock firmly on the rise. Balde has started 12 of Barcelona's 14 LaLiga games this term but has already talked up a move elsewhere.
The teenager was quizzed during a TikTok Q&A session with Mundo Deportivo about which club he'd like to play for - other than the Catalans. The Red Devils were his answer which has fuelled speculation over a possible move, but Barcelona are working hard to retain their player.
Nou Camp chief Jordi Cruyff has told RAC1: "We're delighted with Balde and his progress. We've been working for a long time on his new contract, we've a good relationship with his agents. Balde is happy with Barcelona and we're really happy with him - the feeling is mutual."
The Spanish side, who currently sit top of LaLiga after some heavy summer investment, have a host of impressive young players in the line-up. Pedri and Gavi have become leading lights and Balde is now establishing himself in the starting XI.
Xavi has said on his defender: “It never ceases to amaze me that an 18-year-old boy is at this level. He has a lot of confidence and personality, he has a great physical condition and he’s going to give us a lot.”
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Marcos Alonso was signed from Chelsea in the summer whilst Jordi Alba has now spent a decade at the club. It means Balde has plenty of competition for a starting berth - which is also the case at international level. Both Alba and Balde have been included in Luis Enrique's Spain squad for the World Cup.
Balde came on to replace Alba in Sunday's draw with Germany and the youngster is happy with the competition: “They [the veterans] guide us. For example, Jordi Alba, who plays in my position, usually advises me.
"On the first day, he already told me that in the national team the full-backs were positioned differently and he already explained it to me. He gives me good advice.
"When there are two in the same position, people see it as if it were a war, but no. In the end, if he’s okay, he’s going to make me better. And if I’m fine, I’ll do better for him.
"It is competition, but it is healthy and good. It’s not bad at all because he makes me better and that’s good."
