Transfer talk surrounding Alejandro Balde Martinez is intensifying, with multiple sources reporting that Manchester United are monitoring the Barcelona defender closely. The player has caught the attention of several scouts as clubs across the Premier League prepare for a busy transfer window. Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool may look to intervene if talks continue without resolution. This season (26/27) Manchester United have shipped 8 goals in 5 matches - 1.6 a game, which is well above the Premier League average. Alejandro Balde Martinez would be expected to come in and help tighten things up at the back. Barcelona have also been linked with Finn Jeltsch, Virgil van Dijk and Castello Lukeba while Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Charalampos Kostoulas, Miguel Gutierrez and Tomas Araujo. More on this story as it develops. Need more Manchester United transfer rumours? Follow @PlayerSwitchCom on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news from Manchester United.