Manchester United are determined to strengthen the left-back department before the transfer window closes.
Although Luke Shaw remarkably started every Premier League match last season, expecting him to maintain that workload across four competitions would be unrealistic.
Adding another high-quality left-back capable of making an immediate first-team impact should be a major priority.
Option A: Sign Lewis Hall
The senior figures at Man United highly admire Lewis Hall but Newcastle United have no intention of selling him.
It was believed at the start of the summer that a bid around £50 million could tempt the Magpies.
However, after the way the transfer market has developed over recent weeks, Hall’s valuation is likely to be even higher.
Having begun his career as a central midfielder at Chelsea, Hall possesses technical qualities rarely seen in full-backs.
He is an excellent progressive passer who can drift into midfield as an inverted full-back or burst forward with relentless overlapping runs.
While there is still room for improvement defensively, his strong physique allows him to compete comfortably at the highest level.
Newcastle have already lost Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, while Eddie Howe has departed and club captain Bruno Guimaraes appears close to joining Arsenal.
If there was ever a moment to pay above market value for Hall, this may be it.
United could potentially solve their left-back problem for the next five years with one bold decision.
Option B: Keep Harry Amass
INEOS have consistently shown they are unwilling to overpay for transfer targets.
It is clear that Newcastle will demand a premium to let Hall leave if they change their current stance.
United have been linked with Myles Lewis-Skelly, Djed Spence and Antonee Robinson in recent months.
Lewis-Skelly remains an outstanding talent, but Arsenal would almost certainly demand a premium to sell directly to a major rival.
Robinson offers valuable Premier League experience, although his performances have dipped since returning from a knee injury.
Spence is not good enough to operate as a first-choice full-back for United.
Harry Amass has steadily progressed through the academy and looks ready for greater responsibility.
Reports have suggested United may even consider selling him for around £6 million, but keeping him would make far more sense.
He could continue developing behind Shaw while gaining valuable minutes in fixtures where United are expected to dominate.
Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can share minutes in more demanding fixtures.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com