Manchester United's pursuit of Lewis Hall could be given renewed hope after Newcastle made a breakthrough in the transfer market. Hall is United's No.1 target as they chase a left-back this summer and a development on Tyneside may have caught their eye.
United's left-back search
United manager Michael Carrick is keen to add some competition for Luke Shaw ahead of the start of the 2026/27 season. Academy graduate Harry Amass has been told he is free to leave, Diego Leon hasn't kicked on as hoped, Diego Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are more comfortable at right-back and Patrick Dorgu is better further forward on the left.
United have been monitoring Hall for some time and believe he is the perfect long-term successor to Shaw, who is entering his 13th season at the club. A previous approach was firmly rejected by Newcastle, who are determined not to sell Hall after waving goodbye to Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
The 21-year-old still has three years left on his contract following a £28million move from Chelsea two years ago, putting the Magpies in a strong negotiating position. It is believed they value the defender at £60m.
Newcastle's Dedic deal
Despite Newcastle's reluctance to do business, United may be encouraged by a report from The Athletic, which says they have made significant progress in talks with Benfica for full-back Amar Dedic.
Bosnia and Herzegovina international Dedic is expected to cost Newcastle around €35m (£30m) and will become the first signing of the Matthias Jaissle era. The 23-year-old is primarily a right-back, but is also capable of playing at left-back, and will bolster a squad depleted by the departures of Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett this summer.
Newcastle have banked over £250m from the sales of Gordon, Tonali and Guimaraes and their hierarchy are under pressure to ensure Eddie Howe's successor has a competitive squad come the start of the campaign. As such, they have so far been unwilling to discuss an exit for Hall.
Hall's stance
What could change that stance is Hall himself. The Sun reported this week that Hall is keen to leave for the Red Devils. If he were to agitate for a move, like Alexander Isak famously did last summer to leave for Liverpool, it could leave Newcastle with little choice.
United have signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea to strengthen their midfield, while Karl Darlow has arrived on a free transfer to become the back-up goalkeeper. But a left-back and another central midfielder are considered must haves by Carrick.
If Hall proves unattainable then United will pursue other targets. Club Brugge's £30m-rated Joaquin Seys another option, along with Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander, who would cost around £14m.
