Manchester United are ramping up their efforts to sign two top transfer targets, with a move for Newcastle defender Lewis Hall hanging in the balance
Newcastle United's Lewis Hall has emerged as a Manchester United transfer target
Newcastle United's Lewis Hall has emerged as a Manchester United transfer target(Image: Tim Markland/PA Wire)
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Manchester United have made an encouraging start to the summer transfer window, but there is still a considerable amount of work to be done before Michael Carrick can feel satisfied with his squad.
Last season's strong finish offered genuine optimism heading into the new campaign, yet the challenge now is building on that progress rather than allowing it to stall.
Recruitment has reflected a clear shift in priorities. After spending recent transfer windows revamping both ends of the pitch, United's attention has turned towards the centre of the park as they look to create a midfield capable of dictating games more consistently.
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They have already backed that ambition by signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a £50million move, before following it up with the £35m arrival of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Even so, Old Trafford chiefs are not planning to close the chequebook just yet.
Further additions remain on the agenda, with United continuing to explore opportunities across several positions as they aim to complete a wider overhaul before the transfer deadline. With that in mind, here are the latest Manchester United transfer headlines.
Man United 'internally approve' Hall transfer
Lewis Hall has emerged as an option for Manchester United this summer, with senior figures at the club now claimed to have given the green light to pursue a move for the Newcastle full-back. Hall has been heavily linked with a departure from St James' Park in recent months, attracting attention from several of the Premier League's biggest clubs.
Lewis Hall during the Pre-Season Friendly between Bristol City and Newcastle United.
Lewis Hall is high on Man United's wish list(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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United are understood to view the England international as the ideal long-term successor to Luke Shaw and are said to be weighing up an initial proposal worth around £60m for the 21-year-old. Although he remains under contract with Newcastle until 2029, the significant upheaval taking place behind the scenes could increase the likelihood of a transfer.
The Magpies have already lost Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and manager Eddie Howe during a turbulent few weeks, while Bruno Guimaraes is widely expected to complete a move to Arsenal in the near future. Hall could yet become the latest high-profile departure, although Newcastle's impressive transfer income may allow them to stand firm.
The club have already banked roughly £170m through outgoing deals, with that total potentially rising to around £250m should Guimaraes' proposed switch go through. As a result, Newcastle are in no immediate rush to sell Hall and can afford to demand a premium fee.
And according to Fabrizio Romano, United chiefs have approved a move for the left-back. He said on his YouTube channel: "Many questions on Manchester United and Lewis Hall. I already told you, I think it was in June, and I stand by that information. Man Utd really appreciate Lewis Hall. Man Utd consider Lewis Hall an ideal player to add to their squad. So, he is on Man Ut'd list, for sure, and he is a player internally approved at Manchester United.
"But my understanding is that Newcastle United will make their life complicated. Newcastle don't want to sell Lewis."
Scott 'open to Man Utd move'
Alex Scott of Bournemouth
Bournemouth's Alex Scott is reportedly open to a move to Manchester United(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Manchester United may not be finished reshaping their midfield, with Bournemouth ace Alex Scott reportedly open to a switch to Old Trafford this summer. That is according to Ben Jacobs, who claims 'it's quite an open race at the moment'.
The 22-year-old remains one of the most sought-after young midfielders in England, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal all continuing to monitor his situation. Scott is thought to be keeping his options open rather than favouring any particular destination, leaving the race for his signature wide open.
Chelsea are reported to have seen a £64m bid rejected by Bournemouth, but that setback has not handed any club a decisive advantage. Bournemouth are believed to value the midfielder at approximately £70m, although a bidding war involving several elite clubs could push the eventual fee closer to £80m.
United would therefore have to decide whether meeting those demands represents sensible business. Carrick's side are still eager to bring in another midfielder following the collapse of their pursuit of Atalanta's Ederson, but the club's recent transfer policy has leaned towards carefully judged investments rather than marquee signings.