Sir Jim Ratcliffe with Man Utd officials Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United are reportedly enquiring about Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, who has emerged as one of their top targets.
The Old Trafford outfit has already bought midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans in addition to backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
However, reliable sources like The Athletic expect MUFC to sign three more players before the end of the summer: A third midfielder, a forward, and a left-back.
Man United ask about Lewis Hall cost
While the identity of United’s next striker and midfielder remains anyone’s guess, almost every top source agrees that Hall is the club’s priority target for the left-back role.
The 21-year-old is a Chelsea youth product who went on to make a name for himself at Newcastle, emerging as one of the most exciting young full-backs in the country.
According to Sky Sports News reporter Danyal Khan, Man Utd are keen to make a move for the Slough native, and they’re currently in the process of collecting information and understanding the costs of the operation.
“Manchester United are exploring a potential move for Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall,” said the correspondent.
“Work has begun to understand how much a deal for the 21-year-old would cost as United assess the options available on the market at left-back.
“Hall, who has three years left on his current contract, would not come cheap and Newcastle do not want to sell.”
What are Man Utd’s chances of signing Hall?
Based on Khan’s reporting, it appears that United’s chances of landing their desired left-back hinge primarily on Newcastle’s asking price, as they don’t intend to break the bank on a player who would initially act as an understudy for Luke Shaw.
Previous reports suggested that the Magpies will request at least £50 million for the England international.
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Hall’s EPL Stats by Club Appearances Goals Assists
Chelsea 9 0 0
Newcastle 75 2 6
Total 84 2 6
Moreover, Newcastle should be in a healthy financial situation after collecting £170 million from Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali’s sales.
Nevertheless, the player’s supposed desire to join MUFC could be their biggest key. Hall was said to be ‘unhappy’ and ‘unsettled‘ at St. James’ Park. However, Eddie Howe’s surprising departure this week has led to Matthias Jaissle’s appointment.
The arrival of the German head coach could reshuffle all the cards at Newcastle, and it remains what will be Hall’s status under the new regime.