Manchester United seem to be edging closer to a fresh signing, another departure from the squad looks set to be finalised and Marcus Rashford's long‑term situation remains unresolved
Lewis Hall
Lewis Hall has turned down a move to Chelsea amid links with Man United(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United have reportedly moved into pole position in the chase for Newcastle United left‑back Lewis Hall, with fresh reports indicating the defender has no interest in returning to Chelsea. Hall, a product of the Stamford Bridge academy, is expected to leave Newcastle this summer.
The 21‑year‑old is understood to be keen on a move during this summer's window, amid the fallout from Eddie Howe’s departure and the imminent arrival of Matthias Jaissle as his successor. Sky Sports' Keith Downie reported on Friday night that the Reds were 'thinking of putting something together' to sign Hall.
Journalist Simon Phillips claims Hall does not want to sign for Chelsea after the club's manager, Xabi Alonso, had shown an interest while further reports suggest it is 'likely' Hall ends up at Old Trafford. The defender is said to be open to joining United as Michael Carrick continues shaping his squad for the new campaign.
Hall featured 46 times for Newcastle last season across all competitions and narrowly missed out on Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad. Newcastle are expected to demand around £60 million, with Hall still under contract for another three years in the North East.
He progressed through the Chelsea academy and made 12 senior appearances before sealing a loan switch to Newcastle in 2023 - a deal that became permanent the following year for £28m plus £7m in add‑ons.
Meanwhile, United's Premier League rivals Aston Villa are reportedly set to launch a £30m bid for Marc Bernal. Reports have emerged that Bernal, whom United have reportedly scouted, is a target for Unai Emery's side.
Bernal was linked with the Reds in the Spanish press and it was reported that he could be included in a potential swap deal for Marcus Rashford.
The situation surrounding Rashford remains unresolved. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has already admitted the club will miss the England forward after opting not to sign the United loanee on a permanent basis at the end of last season.
Rashford is due back for pre‑season this month once his extended post‑World Cup break finishes. After Barca's friendly against Championship side Birmingham City at St Andrew's last week, Flick was asked about Rashford during his post‑match press conference.
"What I can say about Marcus is I appreciate a lot to work with him," he said. "Sometimes it's not always that you do know what happens with players who are on loan.
"I think our situation is not easy for that. But I appreciate working with him a lot; he's a fantastic player and a fantastic person.
Marcus Rashford
Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona(Image: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock)
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"I think also the team miss him, I will miss him, but it's life, this is what we have to accept."
The Spanish giants opted to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle in a £60m deal instead. Flick added: "At the end, Anthony Gordon comes and from the first call with him when I spoke with him, he's on fire for Barcelona and he wants to go there and I'm really happy that he is now in our team."
Elsewhere, out‑of‑favour goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is set for a loan move to Celta Vigo, with Metropolitano reporting that the Spanish club are on the verge of finalising the deal.
The La Liga side are hopeful of announcing the transfer next week, and Bayindir is expected to join up with his new teammates at their training camp in Italy once the move is confirmed.
United have so far added Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow, Tynan Thompson and Kit Margetson to their squad.