MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly prepared to battle Barcelona for one of Spain’s brightest young left-backs.

to fill their problem position but Newcastle are reluctant to sell the 21-year-old after a handful of other high-profile departures this summer.

Real Racing Club de Santander v Real Valladolid CF - LaLiga HypermotionJorge Salinas shone in the Spanish second tier last season Credit: Getty Spain Portraits - UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2026Salinas then impressed at the Under-19 Euros Credit: Getty

So bosses have been scouring the transfer market for alternatives.

And, according to Sport , they have settled on Jorge Salinas as their Plan B.

The Racing Santander star, 19, set up six goals in 33 games as he helped his side to promotion from the Spanish second tier last season.

He then went to the Under-19 Euros with , where he caught the attention of United scouts.

Those reporting back to Old Trafford believe that Salinas is ready to join up with the first team ‘immediately’.

United are said to be ready to trigger the teenager’s £13.7million release clause if Hall is declared off limits.

But are also in the mix, and Salinas would reportedly prefer a switch to the Camp Nou.

Not all hope is lost for United, though, as Barca are understood to be unwilling to go above their £6.9m valuation.

Gateshead v Newcastle United - Pre-Season FriendlySigning Lewis Hall could be a tough ask for Man Utd Credit: Getty

With ‘s squad in its current state, will go into the new season as United’s starting left-back, with set to feature further forward.

Hall signing would likely demote Shaw to the bench, while a player of Salinas’ inexperience may be asked to work his way in from the fringes.