Transfer Insider Fabrizio Romano has reported that Manchester United’s summer business is not yet complete under Michael Carrick. The Red Devils are actively looking to strengthen their squad before the new season, with the left-back position a clear priority to provide competition for Luke Shaw.
According to Romano, Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall is currently topping the target list at Old Trafford. However, a deal for the young Englishman won’t be easy to finalize. Following the high-profile departures of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães, and a recent change in management, Newcastle are heavily resistant to losing another key asset.
Alongside Hall, United have also made exploratory enquiries regarding Barcelona’s dynamic left-back Alejandro Balde. While Hall remains the first choice, tracking multiple options underscores how keen the club is to secure a modern full-back before the window closes.
“Man United really appreciate Lewis Hall and Man United consider Lewis Hall as an ideal player they would like to add to their squad,” Romano said.
> “So Lewis is in Manchester United’s list for sure and he’s a player internally approved at Manchester United, but my understanding is that Newcastle will make their life complicated. Newcastle don’t want to sell Lewis. Newcastle already made big money this summer – Tonali, Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes … is expected to join Arsenal this summer “We have to wait for the club to club agreement but the deal is moving in the direction. Bruno wants to go to Arsenal. So Newcastle want to keep Lewis Hall and Newcastle don’t want to sell the player. That’s the indication. That’s the message.
Here’s how the two left-back targets compared during the 2024/25 season.
**Statistic**
**Lewis Hall (Newcastle United)**
**Alejandro Balde (Barcelona)**
**Appearances**
46
50
**Starts**
35
44
**Minutes Played**
N/A
3,231
**Goals**
1
1
**Assists**
2
7
**Yellow Cards**
4
N/A
**Red Cards**
0
N/A