Man Utd make final Alejandro Balde push with six hours left on Deadline Day

Manchester United have launched a fresh Deadline Day push to sign Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, despite the defender continuing to resist a move to Old Trafford.

With around six hours remaining before the transfer window closes, United have intensified their efforts to convince the 22-year-old to change his mind and move to the Premier League.

According to journalist Gerard Romero, United's latest attempt began during the final hours of the window, with Michael Carrick's side refusing to abandon one of their leading left-back targets.

The biggest obstacle throughout United's pursuit has been Balde himself rather than a lack of interest from Old Trafford.

Romero reports that the Spain international remained firmly against leaving Barcelona as recently as Tuesday morning.

“The lad was still saying no, no, no!” Romero said while discussing the situation during his Deadline Day coverage.

United have nevertheless returned with another attempt to convince him.

Jorge Mendes has also been involved around the possibility of a transfer, but United now face an extremely limited window in which to change Balde's position and subsequently complete any agreement with Barcelona.

A potential loan has also been discussed, although Romero suggested that structure would create further complications for Barcelona.

United's renewed approach comes as Carrick attempts to strengthen at left-back before the window closes.

Lewis Hall has been viewed as the preferred long-term option, but Newcastle's valuation has made a deal extremely difficult this summer.

That pushed Balde into consideration, although convincing him to leave Barcelona has proved equally challenging.

United also have Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas among their alternatives.

The 22-year-old represents a considerably cheaper option because his contract contains a €16m (£13.8m) release clause.

With time disappearing, United may soon have to decide whether to continue pursuing Balde or switch their attention elsewhere.

There could be another twist if United finally succeed with Balde.

Barcelona have also shown interest in Salinas, meaning the Catalan club could potentially pursue the Racing Santander defender as a replacement if Balde departs.

That would create an unusual Deadline Day domino involving two players who have both appeared on United's shortlist.

Barcelona's president has indicated there will be no further arrivals before the deadline, although Romero stressed that departures remain possible.

Everything therefore depends on Balde.

United have spent several days trying to change his position without success. Their final challenge is convincing a player who was still rejecting the transfer on Tuesday morning to accept Old Trafford before the window shuts.

United's immediate priority is securing Balde's approval. Without that, negotiations over the structure of a transfer become irrelevant and Carrick may have to move quickly towards an alternative.

Should Balde finally accept the move, Barcelona could potentially turn towards Salinas, creating one final transfer domino before the deadline.