Former Newcastle United star Jermaine Jenas has backed Lewis Hall to join Manchester United from the Magpies this summer.
The Red Devils are planning to recruit a ‘dynamic‘ left-back to compete with Luke Shaw next season.
Hall has emerged as the number one target, and it has been reported that he could be prised away for around £50 million.
In an interview with 10bet, Jenas has now endorsed the prospective move and believes it would be a huge step in the right direction for Hall.
He said: “I think it’s a great move for him. I really do. He’s had a fantastic couple of years at Newcastle.
“For a club like Manchester United to come in for him is a huge step in the right direction – not only for United, because he’s just consistent week-in, week-out, but it’s also a big loss for Newcastle.”
Hall would be an ideal successor to Shaw
Shaw had a fantastic 2025/26 season with United. The Englishman stayed unscathed for the entire campaign and started every Premier League game despite the change of managers.
His current deal expires in June next year, but discussions are underway over a contract renewal. United have told the 30-year-old to accept a pay cut, which he is most likely to oblige.
Regardless, United need to plan for the future. Shaw will turn 31 next month, and the club ideally need a young left-back who can provide the right balance in attack and defence.
Patrick Dorgu was brought in as a potential deputy, but the Dane has looked defensively vulnerable with his positioning and looks more adept operating as a wide attacking player.
With his emergence as a left winger, the priority could be placed on pursuing a deal for Hall.
The 21-year-old started only 24 league games for the Magpies last term, but fared relatively well.
He won five duels per league appearance with two tackles and almost five recoveries.
Hall managed only two goal contributions, but impressed with his overlapping runs. At 21, he has yet to enter the prime of his career and could prove a fabulous long-term signing for United.
The Chelsea graduate could start as Shaw’s understudy at the club, with a rotational starting role. He could eventually displace his compatriot to become an undisputed starter at left-back.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com