Manchester United are being linked with Newcastle defender Lewis Hall and have reportedly identified an alternative target
Lewis Hall during a Newcastle United game
Newcastle United's Lewis Hall has emerged as a Manchester United transfer target this summer(Image: Tim Markland/PA Wire)
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Manchester United are continuing to be linked with signing a new left-back this summer, with Lewis Hall one of two players identified as targets by the Reds.
United currently have Luke Shaw as their only senior left-back option following Tyrell Malacia’s departure as a free agent earlier in the summer.
Hall has been heavily linked with a move to United this summer, with the defender continuing to face an uncertain future at St James’ Park.
However, a report in Spanish news outlet Sport has claimed that United have identified an alternative option to Hall should they fail to sign the Newcastle left-back.
It has been reported that Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas is now a target for United, but that the Reds will have to face competition from Barcelona for his signature.
The report claims that Salinas has been listed as a ‘Plan B’ for United should they not be able to bring Hall to Old Trafford.
It has also been claimed that United would be willing to pay the €16million (£13.7m) release clause in Salinas' contract with Racing Santander, something which Barcelona are understood not to be prepared to do.
United have completed three signings so far this summer, with their midfield seen as the priority area for reinforcements.
Jorge Salinas
Jorge Salinas has been linked with Man United(Image: Harry Murphy - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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Andrey Santos was signed from Chelsea for £50m, while Youri Tielemans has become a United player after the club decided to activate the £35m release clause in the Belgium international’s contract at Aston Villa.
Karl Darlow has also been signed by United to provide back-up to Senne Lammens, which has led to speculation that Altay Bayindir could head for the exit door at Old Trafford.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Hall, who was linked with a return to Chelsea this summer, but the defender is reported to have turned down the chance to move back to Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle have already sanctioned several major exits this summer, with Anthony Gordon (£69m) and Sandro Tonali (£100m) both leaving St James’ Park, while Bruno Guimaraes could move to Arsenal in the days or weeks ahead.