Michael Carrick
Manchester United are said to have an option in reserve in case they can't sign Lewis Hall this summer. The Red Devils have a clear need at left-back, with Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu the current options on the left, while youngster Harry Amass has impressed during the young pre-season.
But with Shaw now 31 years of age, and being a particularly injury-prone player, Michael Carrick wants more depth at the position. Newcastle United star Hall is the priority, as widely reported, but the Magpies have already sold Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer, while Bruno Guimaraes is expected to join Arsenal in the near future.
Eddie Howe left, perhaps as a result of those sales, and Matthias Jaissle is expected to take the mantle, arriving from Saudi Arabia. Newcastle will be desperate to keep hold of Hall after those other sales, meaning a deal could be particularly difficult to strike, at least this summer.
Man Utd identify Hall alternative
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on after Premier League win against Nottingham Forest
Manchester United are said to have identified Racing Santander left-back Jorge Salinas as an alternative to Hall. Salinas recently dazzled as Spain won the Under-19s European Championships in Wales, continuing their dominance throughout the age groups.
The 19-year-old is already a star at senior level, racking up 34 league appearances for Racing Santander and providing seven assists from full-back to help his side to the Segunda Division title last season, securing promotion to LaLiga.
Barcelona are already said to have held talks over a possible deal to sign Salinas, but no fee has been agreed at this point. Atletico Madrid have also been linked, but TeamTalk report United are now stepping up their interest, believing Salinas has what it takes to compete for minutes at Old Trafford from the off, despite his youth.
Hall is said to be the priority, but Salinas has joined the shortlist, which is also said to include Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, although reports in Spain suggest Balde wants to remain at Camp Nou.
Salinas described as the 'next Sergio Ramos'
sergio ramos sevilla
Salinas has been heavily praised early in his career, clearly only his way to a top club in the near future, whether that's this summer or in the future. Racing sporting director Chema Aragón said: "I think he will end up playing in the Champions League. We are enjoying him being here."
Meanwhile, Journalist Óscar García Mayo has said described him as: "The left-footed Sergio Ramos." That is high praise, but Salinas is backing it up, and he continued his trajectory with Spain under-19s' dominant Euros win in North Wales this summer. He scored once and provided two assists during the tournament.