Liverpool linked with move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde

Liverpool have been named as potential suitors for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, who has fallen down the pecking order this season.

Liverpool did not sign a specialist left- or right-back over the summer despite Andy Robertson’s departure and Conor Bradley’s long-term injury.

As a result, the Reds are expected to be linked with several options ahead of the January transfer window, with Alejandro Balde now emerging as one of them.

According to SPORT’s Jordi Gil, Liverpool have joined Inter Milan and Manchester United in monitoring the 22-year-old.

Gil claims Andoni Iraola “would consider his signing interesting”, particularly if a favourable transfer opportunity arises.

Balde has been left on the bench for five successive games, with Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo preferred by Hansi Flick.

His contract reportedly contains a €1billion (£855.9m) release clause, although his realistic market value is believed to be around €40m (£34.2m).

With 168 senior club appearances and seven caps for Spain, Balde’s age, experience, pace and pressing ability could appeal to Liverpool. However, there is some scepticism over the reliability of the claims.

Balde is represented by Jorge Mendes, and the report could be viewed as agent-driven amid the player’s lack of regular football.

At this stage, Liverpool’s reported interest appears more likely to be calculated transfer talk ahead of January than evidence of genuine interest from the Reds.