Aston Villa could have an opportunity to strengthen their defensive options when the January transfer window opens, with a Barcelona star potentially available.
Unai Emery has built a competitive squad at Villa Park, but the prospect of adding an established international with plenty of pace could prove an attractive one.
And the Midlands club are reportedly among several Premier League sides who have been informed about the conditions of a possible deal.
Aston Villa among clubs offered chance to sign Alejandro Balde
According to Sport, relayed by Sport Witness, Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde is attracting interest from a number of English clubs ahead of the winter transfer window.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa are all aware of the conditions required to sign the 23-year-old, while Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the situation.
Balde had the opportunity to leave Barcelona during the summer, with Manchester United among the clubs interested in securing his services.
However, his decision to remain at the Camp Nou has not worked out as hoped. The Spain international has reportedly managed just 124 minutes across five appearances this season and has fallen behind João Cancelo and Xavi Espart in Hansi Flick's defensive pecking order.
With his prospects of regular first-team football seemingly limited, a January departure is now being considered.
Balde's representative, Jorge Mendes, has already begun exploring potential destinations and is expected to discuss the available options with his client before a decision is made in December.
Villa could therefore have an opportunity to compete for a player who has already established himself at one of Europe's biggest clubs.
Barcelona set asking price for pacey defender
Barcelona are reportedly open to allowing Balde to leave for around €40 million, although Mendes believes a loan with an option to buy would be a more viable arrangement.
That deal could also include conditions that would turn the option into an obligation, depending on the terms agreed between the clubs.
The defender's preference is understood to be a move to the Premier League, giving Aston Villa a potential advantage over interested clubs elsewhere in Europe.
AS Roma and Juventus have also made contact with Mendes, but the financial requirements are reportedly proving difficult for the Italian sides.
No final decision has been made by Villa, Manchester United or Liverpool, while any further movement from Manchester City and Tottenham could depend on departures from their respective squads.
For Emery, the opportunity to bring in a player with Balde's pace and experience could be worth exploring, particularly with the January window offering a chance to improve the options available to him.
The final decision is expected in December, with Barcelona reportedly prepared to sanction an exit during the winter window. Villa are now among the clubs who could benefit if the defender decides his future lies in England.
