Story by Matthew Abbott
Key takeaways
- Top Target: Manchester United see Lewis Hall as a priority left-back signing this summer, valued highly by Michael Carrick’s team.
- Complicated Deal: Newcastle are reluctant to sell Hall, having already generated nearly £300m from other transfers this summer, making negotiations difficult.
- Squad Context: Current options include Luke Shaw, with cover from Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu, while United also consider alternatives like Alejandro Balde, Jorge Salinas, Archie Brown, and Djed Spence.
Manchester United face a fight to sign one of their top summer transfer targets.
Newcastle United reportedly do not want to sell Lewis Hall after already selling Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer. They also parted ways with Alexander Isak less than a year ago and appear set to allow Bruno Guimaraes to leave.
They have banked almost £300million in the process, and whatever fee Arsenal pay for the Brazil international would take that closer to £400m. After also losing Eddie Howe this week, it appears that they are reluctant to allow anyone else a move during this window.
Bruno Guimaraes© Getty Images
Hall, 21, matches the type of left-back that Man United have examined. The position is one that is almost guaranteed to be addressed during this summer’s transfer window.
Fabrizio Romano now suggests in his latest YouTube video that Newcastle are reluctant to part with Hall. It is highlighted that they have already generated substantial funds this summer and could make a move ‘complicated’ for the Old Trafford side.
Romano reports that Michael Carrick’s side have internally endorsed the England international and view him as a perfect acquisition who they genuinely value. Hall is characterised as a priority target on the club’s shortlist as they evaluate the player’s circumstances in the north east this summer.
Lewis Hall during a Newcastle United game© NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images
It is also confirmed that they are not finished in the transfer market this summer, despite already securing five new signings. Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow and Youri Tielemans all joined from Chelsea, Leeds United and Aston Villa, respectively, within two days last month.
Former Swansea City goalkeeper Kit Margetson and Spurs academy product Tynan Thompson have also recently joined the club. However, it is now nearly three weeks since the club unveiled a senior signing, with the left-back position seemingly the priority.
Luke Shaw is currently the club’s sole senior option in that role. Harry Amass has shared duties with him during pre-season so far.
Luke Shaw during a Man United game© Getty Images
However, the young player could still leave the Red Devils on loan or permanently later this summer. This would leave Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu as the only cover for Shaw, although both are more accustomed to playing in other positions.
They are also linked with Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde and Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas. Archie Brown and Djed Spence have been suggested as domestic alternatives.
The latter earned a place in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man World Cup squad over Hall this summer. Newcastle’s left-back was called up to the England squad two years ago by Gareth Southgate’s temporary successor, Lee Carsley, at the expense of Shaw.
