Premier League champions Manchester City saw a summer approach for an up-and-coming member of the defensive ranks at Barcelona rebuffed, it has been revealed.
The player in question? Alejandro Balde.
For those not familiar with his name, Balde is a gifted 19-year-old left-back, widely regarded as one of the standout young talents in Spain.
Since exploding onto the scene at the Camp Nou last season, he has gone on to establish himself as an undisputed starter under the watch of Xavi Hernandez, courtesy of a stellar combination of touch, athleticism, defensive nous and remarkable poise in the final third.
Such traits have even seen Balde establish himself on the international stage, too, en route to five caps at senior level with Spain.
FC Barcelona vs Elche CF. (28) Alejandro Balde
In turn, it should perhaps come as little surprise to hear that one of European football's heavyweight clubs expressed a keen interest in luring the teenage talent away from Catalunya during the summer.
As revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City made contact with their counterparts at Barcelona, to establish their chances of striking a deal.
The Camp Nou hierarchy, however, were unwavering in their stance that Balde is not for sale under any circumstances.
This comes with the defender expected to put pen to paper on a new Blaugrana contract any day now.
🚨🎖️| Manchester City was interested in Alejandro Balde but Barcelona refused. [@FabrizioRomano] #fcblive 🔵❌ pic.twitter.com/daeAuJuMdo
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) September 8, 2023
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