With Baldé's departure looming: Barcelona move for Manchester United and Atlético target

Barça begin to weigh up their options

Jorge Salinas is no stranger to Barcelona's list of transfer targets, but the young full-back's file has shot back to the forefront after fresh developments around Alejandro Balde, who Hansi Flick left out of the squad for today's La Liga clash with Elche.

At 19, the Racing Santander full-back ranks among the most promising and sought-after left-backs on the market. The queue of clubs chasing his signature says as much.

Read also

An Arab Clasico: Bensebaini sent off because of Al-Saibari

Mourinho: Vinicius is being bullied, and opponents are coordinating to hit him

In recent weeks, Salinas looked close to joining Atletico Madrid. The Madrid club's offer of 14 million euros sat just below his release clause of 16 million euros, yet the deal fell through.

Tension complicates the deal

Barcelona have also enquired about the Spaniard more than once and lodged offers to sign him. Santander stood firm every time against the Catalan club.

Relations between the pair have been frosty since Pablo Torre's transfer to Real Mallorca, with Santander feeling they never received financial dues owed from that deal. Ever since, they have insisted on one condition for any club wanting Salinas: pay the full release clause.

Into these complications step Manchester United, and here lies the irony. The English club are also chasing Alejandro Balde.

According to Catalan newspaper "Sport", the Salinas option looks simpler for United than a move for Balde, both in sporting and economic terms.

All of this could crack open an intriguing scenario. Sell Balde to Manchester United, and Barcelona would pocket a hefty economic margin, freeing them to move straight for Salinas and cover the loss of their young full-back.

Young Jordi Pesquer, meanwhile, keeps pushing for his chance, having made Barca's squad for the trip to Elche.