Barcelona star Alejandro Balde has been in the news since the summer, with Manchester United linked with a move for the Spaniard.
Reports from Italy have now indicated that the Red Devils are not alone in their pursuit of the left-back, as AS Roma are also interested in his services.
The 23-year-old Spanish defender who broke into the senior squad through La Masia and has accumulated over 170 senior appearances is now edging closer to an exit from his boyhood club.
The dynamic full-back has struggled to feature consistently this season, with Hansi Flick considering him to be third-choice in his position, behind Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart.
European competition heats up: Roma enter the frame
Barcelona tried to offload Balde in the summer but did not manage to, as the youngster was not interested in moving to Manchester United, the only real option presented to him.
As things stand, United's path to securing the Spanish international is no longer clear despite their having shown interest in him before any other suitors.
According to FootballTransfers and Il Messaggero (via LiveScore), Italian outfit Roma have actively registered their interest, viewing Balde as a transformative addition to their tactical setup.
Gian Piero Gasperini's side have impressed this season and are unbeaten in Serie A, but notably lack a top-level left-back/left wing-back.
Brazil international Wesley has occupied the position this season due to a lack of alternative options, but is more comfortable playing as a right-back.
While Barcelona previously protected the player and emphasized his commitment to the Camp Nou project, persistent financial restructuring in Catalonia could force the hierarchy to evaluate substantial permanent offers if rival European clubs launch concrete bids during the upcoming window.
The player, himself, has had to be content with a few minutes here and there, and has played a total of 72 league minutes this season.
An opportunity to join a club on the rise like Roma could appeal to him, particularly given his limited minutes at Barcelona.
Old Trafford long-term pursuit: Why United want Alejandro Balde
In the summer, Manchester United sought to bring in cover for Luke Shaw at left-back and looked at Lewis Hall and Balde as their options.
They did not manage to convince either player to join them, with Barcelona turning down their season-long loan approach for Balde.
Hall has since signed a long-term deal with Newcastle, leaving Balde as their attainable option in the short-term.
They view Balde's explosive pace, overlap timing, and press-resistant dribbling as the ideal profile to elevate their left-flank dynamics.
With structural instability along United's backline demanding long-term solutions, Balde remains near the very top of their defensive target list.
The Spaniard has a profile reminiscent to that of a younger Shaw, whose athleticism was evident in how he bombed up and down the flank throughout games.
His natural penchant to attack also adds to the fascination with him, as does his track record from his time with his boyhood club.
