Manchester United are looking to improve their squad in the transfer window, with Newcastle's Lewis Hall among those linked with a move to Old Trafford
Lewis Hall of Newcastle United
Lewis Hall has been linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Manchester United are working to strengthen their squad in the closing stages of the summer transfer window. Michael Carrick has already brought in several new faces, but will recognise further additions are required following his side's opening defeat.
Both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos featured in midfield as the club suffered a 2-0 loss to Hull City. The new arrivals are poised to face extra competition for their places after United struck a deal with Brighton for Carlos Baleba.
Defensively, Carrick's squad are pursuing a left-back to offer competition for Luke Shaw. United have been linked with a move for Newcastle's Lewis Hall and his manager has made his position clear regarding the potential transfer.
Meanwhile, Barcelona's Alejandro Balde has surfaced as another left-back option. Here, MEN Sport examines some of the biggest stories surrounding United.
Newcastle boss' Lewis Hall update
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle has shut down the prospect of Lewis Hall moving to Old Trafford this summer. United have been strongly linked with Hall following the 21-year-old's standout performances for the Magpies.
Iconic goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel raised the transfer speculation surrounding Hall when speaking to Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle. While working as a pundit for Viaplay during Newcastle's 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Schmeichel said to Jaissle: "We're [Manchester United] after your left-back."
However, Newcastle manager Jaissle delivered an unequivocal reply: "No chance! No chance!" The German boss appeared adamant that Hall will not be joining Carrick's team.
Hall featured against Liverpool on Sunday and received plaudits for his display before giving away a late penalty that cost Newcastle victory. The Magpies have already offloaded star players during the transfer window, with Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes completing high-profile exits.
Alejandro Balde of Barcelona
Alejandro Balde was left out of Barcelona's squad at the weekend(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Defender 'in talks' over next steps
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was reportedly due to hold talks with Balde on Monday following speculation surrounding the defender's future at the club. The 22-year-old has been linked with a switch to United and was omitted from Barcelona's matchday squad against Elche on Sunday.
Spanish outlet Sport reported that Flick and Balde were due to have a "face-to -face meeting" on Monday after the full back was dropped for the 5-0 victory over Elche. The talks could reportedly "open the door" for the defender to depart the Catalan club should the situation remain unresolved.
The report adds that Flick is prepared to keep Balde but wants the player to show desire to fight for his place. Meanwhile, Barcelona already have Joao Cancelo, Xavi Espart and Gerard Martin as alternative left-back options, should Balde leave the Camp Nou.
When asked about his choice to leave the defender out of his squad, Flick said: "I spoke with Alejandro Balde today and said to him that I think you're not here 100%, so it's best that you stay at home and clear your mind. We will talk again tomorrow."