Manchester United are weighing up a move for Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall amid the departure of Magpies manager Eddie Howe, The Sun report.
The Red Devils have been long-term admirers of the England international, but the club are yet to make a formal approach for his signature this summer.
However, United are now exploring a deal for the 21-year-old, who is open to leaving Newcastle.
Hall is viewed as the ideal long-term replacement for Luke Shaw, whose contract expires in June 2027.
Howe’s departure may not suit United
Hall had a difficult end to the previous league campaign. The Englishman was an unused substitute against Arsenal before playing just 22 minutes against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Chelsea graduate started the final three matches of the season, but he featured as a right-back against Nottingham Forest and a left wing-back against Fulham on the last day.
Hall, described as ‘fearless‘ by BBC Sport, felt that his positional change at the end of the season cost him an England World Cup spot.
The youngster was apparently not pleased with Howe’s decision. The 48-year-old tactician has now left his managerial role and will soon be replaced by Al-Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle.
This does not necessarily mean that Hall could depart. The left-back could be tempted to continue at the Magpies, knowing that he could play regularly as a left-back under Jaissle next term.
On the other hand, the exit of several high-profile stars could tempt him to move on too.
Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon have already left the Magpies this summer, while talismanic captain Bruno Guimaraes could be on his way to Premier League holders Arsenal in the near future.
It has also emerged that Joelinton has expressed his desire to leave. If the midfield duo were to move on, Hall could consider a new challenge rather than staying through a transitional phase.
He is presently valued at around £50 million, which is not out of United’s reach.
With Marcus Rashford likely to stay and compete for the left wing role alongside Matheus Cunha, the Red Devils could add the left winger budget towards purchasing Hall from Newcastle.
Patrick Dorgu is presently the back-up left-back behind Shaw, but the Red Devils consider him a left winger and seem keen on landing a dynamic competitor in the defensive position.
Stats from Transfermarkt