Man Utd target Deadline Day left-back as three transfer options remain

Manchester United are expected to remain active on Deadline Day, with signing a new left-back emerging as Michael Carrick's main priority before the summer window closes.

United have already significantly strengthened after qualifying for the Champions League, particularly in midfield with the arrivals of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.

Karl Darlow has also joined to provide experienced competition for first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens, but Carrick has suggested there could still be further movement at Old Trafford.

United have explored the left-back market throughout the summer as they look to provide additional competition for Luke Shaw.

Lewis Hall remains the preferred long-term target, but the cost of signing the 21-year-old has made a deal difficult this summer.

That could encourage United to pursue a temporary solution before returning for Hall next year.

Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde has been considered, according to The Athletic. However, the Spaniard is currently expected to remain at Camp Nou and would represent an expensive Deadline Day operation.

Racing Santander youngster Jorge Salinas provides a more affordable alternative.

The 19-year-old has a €16million (£13.7m) release clause, although Atletico Madrid are also reported to have held talks over a potential move.

With Hall expensive, Balde difficult to prise away from Barcelona and Salinas attracting competition, United still have work to do if they are to strengthen the position before the deadline.

Gary Neville has called for United to strengthen at centre-back, but that does not currently appear to be Carrick's priority.

The United head coach already has Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven available, with Matthijs de Ligt also expected to return from injury.

Attention is therefore concentrated primarily on the left side of the defence.

That situation could also influence United's plans for Harry Amass. The youngster has reportedly been told he can leave on loan, although sanctioning his departure without signing another left-back would reduce Carrick's options.

There could also be departures from United's senior squad.

Joshua Zirkzee's future remains uncertain after falling down the attacking hierarchy. Juventus and Fiorentina are both credited with interest in taking the Dutch forward back to Serie A.

Zirkzee has struggled for opportunities even while Benjamin Sesko works his way towards full fitness, with Marcus Rashford and Bryan Mbeumo also capable of operating centrally.

Rashford himself is now increasingly likely to stay. A transfer to another Premier League club has been ruled out, meaning an unexpected late proposal from abroad may be required to change his situation.

Young striker Chido Obi could meanwhile leave on loan as United look to secure regular senior football for the former Arsenal prospect.

United's left-back search will dominate the final hours of the window, with the club needing to decide whether to pursue a permanent signing or secure a temporary solution before potentially returning for Hall next summer.

There could also be late movement involving Zirkzee and United's younger players, making Old Trafford potentially busier than initially expected on Deadline Day.