Christopher Vivell has found perfect Luke Shaw replacement, United willing to offer £35m – report

Manchester United appointed Christopher Vivell as their permanent director of recruitment in February last year.

The German, who previously enjoyed promising stints at Red Bull and Chelsea before joining United, had a significant influence on the club’s transfer business last summer.

In particular, it was Vivell who led United’s pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, convincing Ineos to spend €85 million on the relatively inexperienced RB Leipzig striker. To Vivell’s credit, Sesko has enjoyed a promising debut season at Old Trafford given the circumstances.

Christopher Vivell keen on Alejandro Balde

Plans are already underway at Manchester United for the upcoming transfer window, and Christopher Vivell has set his sights on another highly rated youngster.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the United chief has proposed Alejandro Balde as a target to strengthen the club’s left flank.

Christopher Vivell’s top five signings

Before his unfortunate injury, Patrick Dorgu showed signs of promise as a winger. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw has impressed when in possession of the ball, but his physical decline has made him a liability out wide. As such, United are thought to be looking for a new left-back.

In that regard, Balde, 22, could prove to be a shrewd addition for the Red Devils. The Barcelona academy product possesses immense pace and exceptional ball-carrying ability.

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report from Spain claiming United are prepared to spend €40m (£34.98m) on the Spain international.

However, Jacobs underlines that Balde’s preference is to remain at Camp Nou. It is added that no formal discussions have taken place so far, either with the Spaniard or between the two clubs.

Manchester United frustrated by Barcelona’s antics

Meanwhile, Barcelona have begun working on keeping Marcus Rashford beyond his season-long loan, but United are reportedly dreading entering discussions with their Spanish counterparts.

The Blaugrana have an option to sign Rashford permanently for £26 million. However, the financially stricken club are hoping to renegotiate terms towards a lower price. The club’s hierarchy are hoping to take advantage of the Englishman’s desire to continue in Spain.

This has reportedly caused anger at United, with the decision-makers “ruing the arrangement” agreed last summer.

Given the prolific campaign Rashford has had, the Premier League giants should not budge from their demands and could use the opportunity to explore the possibility of signing someone like Balde in exchange.

Feature image Judit Cartiel via Getty Images

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