Manchester United make enquiries to Barcelona over Alejandro Balde, Real Madrid remain keen on Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate - Euro Transfer News
Updated 26/03/2026 at 21:06 GMT
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In Thursday's edition of Euro Transfer News, Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde is attracting interest from a number of clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa. Meanwhile, it is still possible that Ibrahima Konate leaves Liverpool for Real Madrid this summer and Juventus star Francisco Conceicao is on Liverpool's shortlist to replace Mohamed Salah.
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United, City and Villa require over defender Balde
Manchester United have made enquiries over Barcelona's highly-rated defender Alejandro Balde.
The 22-year-old is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that as well as United, Manchester City and Aston Villa have also contacted Barcelona.
Balde made his Barcelona debut in 2021, and has made over 100 appearances for the club.
He has also broken into the Spain team, although he has still only made a handful of appearances in recent years.
The report on Thursday read: "Alejandro Balde has attracted the interest of several Premier League clubs.
"Specifically, according to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa have inquired about the Barcelona player's situation. Balde is under contract with Barca until June 30, 2028.
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"His youth, physical strength, quality, and the fact that he is a product of La Masia make him a very attractive full-back, especially in English football.
"His power and explosiveness are highly valued by top Premier League clubs, which is why he is being closely monitored.
"According to sources close to the player, there is firm interest from him that dates back some time, but so far, no formal offers have materialised.
"As of today, Alejandro Balde is not considering leaving the Catalan club and remains fully focused on Barca, the club where he developed and which he considers his home."
Konate switch to Real still possible
Real Madrid may still swoop to sign Ibrahima Konate, with the player's contract situation at Liverpool continuing to be unresolved.
Real are monitoring the situation closely, with AS reporting there is still a chance that the France defender moves to the Bernabeu on a free transfer.
Liverpool signed Konate from RB Leipzig in 2021 and he has been part of teams that have won one Premier League title, two League Cups and one FA Cup in recent seasons.
But there remains a chance he could be departing Anfield soon.
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Ibrahima Konate celebrates after scoring against Newcastle in January
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The report in AS states: "Konate remains on the table. He's lost ground but he's not ruled out. Not by a long shot.
"Real Madrid continues to have him on their radar as an option for next season, when they'll need to make a signing. Militao, Huijsen and Asensio are currently the centre-backs they're counting on.
"Rudiger is earning his place but it's not yet guaranteed. And with Alaba, there's no doubt he's living his last months at the Bernabéu. From there, the dilemma is open: they're looking for a centre-back.
"They like having five. And although it's not an urgent matter, it's a latent possibility. A real possibility. And in that pool of options, Konate remains a possibility."
Juve star Conceicao on Liverpool shortlist
Liverpool are facing a big summer as they face up to losing their Premier League title in addition to Mohamed Salah and potentially Konate - but one player on their agenda could well be Juventus star Francisco Conceicao.
It was only last year that Juve announced the permanent signing of Conceicao from Porto in a five-year deal worth around ÂŁ26 million.
But according to RMC Sport, a move to the Premier League may well be in Conceicao's future as Liverpool look to strengthen, especially with one of the club's greatest ever players in Salah leaving at the end of the season.
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The RMC report reads: "The English champions are showing strong interest in Yan Diomande (19), the talented left winger from RB Leipzig.
"Liverpool have been following the Ivory Coast international for many months and are now looking to make a move for him. His speed and dribbling skills could ignite the Anfield crowd.
"Francisco Conceicao, the dynamic winger from Juventus, is another player on Arne Slot's shortlist."
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