Report: Liverpool ready to battle Man United for 'spectacular' Spanish defender who Xavi thinks is amazing

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool have now been mooted as one of the clubs looking at FC Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde ahead of the summer transfer window.The Reds’ summer transfer budget could be reduced without Champions League football, but fresh legs are still needed in several positions.Among them is left-back, where Andy Robertson is currently on course to leave Anfield at the end of June for free when his contract expires.Now, while there has been little talk around who could replace the Scotsman so far, Balde is now being mentioned in Spain. Rate Arne Slot’s second season as Liverpool head coach Can anyone make a serious argument for higher than a C? 😶 Photo Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine Liverpool open to Alejandro Balde transferBalde, who is under contract with Barcelona until 2028, has firmly cemented himself as a key cog in the Catalonian outfit’s backline.He is currently sidelined with a muscle injury, but has still made 34 appearances and provided three assists in all competitions this term.Losing the 22-year-old, who Xavi has previously been left amazed by, clearly wouldn’t be ideal for Barca.But SPORT are reporting this week that the Spanish side need a financial boost via transfers this summer, and given Balde is an Academy product, he could be an option if a high offer materialises.On that front, the report mentions offers from Saudi Arabia, while they also say that both Liverpool and Manchester United ‘would be willing to explore this option’.An exact transfer fee for Balde, who has been dubbed ‘spectacular‘, is not mentioned, though Transfermarkt give him a valuation of €55m.It remains to be seen if Liverpool would be open to putting in an offer for the player, though that could, of course, depend on what happens with Robertson.Andy Robertson speaks on Liverpool contractThe Scottish full-back was open to joining Tottenham in the winter window after losing his starting berth to Milos Kerkez.At present, it seems likely the long-time Liverpool ace will be on his way out of the club this summer.Robertson spoke about his contract situation this week while away on international duty and was pretty coy.As per Glasgow World, he said: “Will I make a decision before the World Cup?

For me, I will make up my mind before the summer. It’s always been in my head that I don’t want it hanging over me.“I think that’s important.

I don’t think anyone wants that [uncertainty]. I’ll sit down with my family and see what we want.