Roma eye January loan move for Barcelona's Alejandro Balde

Roma are targeting Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde ahead of the winter transfer window, according to a report from Fichajes citing Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb. The report states that Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has given the green light to signing Balde, whom he considers ideal for strengthening the left side of his defence.

Roma's reported plan is to request a paid loan with an obligation to buy, which would become mandatory if the club qualifies for the next edition of the Champions League. It remains unclear whether Barcelona or Balde would be interested in such an arrangement.

Balde has reportedly fallen to third choice in the left-back pecking order under Hansi Flick, with all five of his appearances this season coming from the bench. The Spanish international is said to be drawing widespread interest ahead of January.