Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde open to exit as Aston Villa and Benfica circle

Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde has accepted a possible departure and is exploring a move before the transfer window closes. Aston Villa and Benfica have inquired about the 22-year-old, but Barcelona's asking price may be a hurdle. Barcelona could demand €40-45 million for the defender, a fee the report says is difficult to achieve except potentially in Saudi Arabia. Benfica's initial proposal would likely not exceed €20 million, while Aston Villa currently lacks the budget for a move. Manchester United has also been mentioned as a potential suitor, though no concrete approach has been made. Balde's stance changed after Joao Cancelo's signing, and his agent Jorge Mendes has been authorized to find a new club.