Manchester United could solve their left-back problem by signing Raphael Guerreiro on a free transfer, while still keeping the door open to a move for Lewis Hall next summer.
Hall was identified as United's primary target earlier in the transfer window, but Newcastle are said to be demanding a world record fee for a left-back, pricing the Red Devils out of a deal this summer.
Free agent option
Guerreiro left Bayern Munich at the end of the 2025/26 season following the expiration of his contract. The Portuguese international, formerly of Borussia Dortmund, is into his thirties but could be signed without a transfer fee.
A 12-month deal would likely interest Guerreiro, and his experience would be valuable in United's dressing room. Crucially, such a move would not block the club from pursuing Hall next summer.
Hall remains a long-term target
United reportedly still have Hall in their long-term plans, even if a deal is not possible this summer. Newcastle have had a difficult transfer window, with Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon all leaving the club.
As a result, Newcastle showed little interest in entertaining a deal unless they were likely to bank a substantial fee, well above Hall's regular valuation. Signing Guerreiro on a free transfer would not use up much of United's finances after a hefty summer of spending.
United have already brought in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba for around £150m this summer. There is talk of adding another attacker before the window closes, and a deal for Guerreiro could provide the financial flexibility to do so.
