Newcastle United are making transfer progress with versatile full-back Amar Dedic - and it just might boost Manchester United's hopes of signing Lewis Hall.
With the Reds restocking their midfield with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, left-back is now Michael Carrick's transfer focus. Hall is believed to be the main target, with the Englishman viewed as the long-term replacement for Luke Shaw.
United's first approach for him was firmly turned down, but the picture has since changed. Dedic's arrival would boost Carrick's hopes, as the Benfica ace is more than capable of playing at left-back.
Dedic's arrival could free up Hall
The Athletic understands Dedic looks set to become a Magpie at a hefty cost of around £30m. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international is mainly a right-back but he has plenty of experience at left-back.
Newcastle still have Tino Livramento, another full-back capable of starring on both flanks, to return from injury, which suggests Matthias Jaissle's side will have options were Hall to depart.
The 21-year-old still has three years remaining on his contract following a £28m transfer from Chelsea two years ago, placing the Magpies in a strong negotiating position. They are believed to value the defender at £60m.
Hall's desire to leave could change stance
Newcastle have generated over £250m from selling Gordon, Tonali and Guimaraes and their hierarchy face pressure to guarantee Eddie Howe's replacement has a competitive squad by the campaign's commencement. Consequently, they have thus far been reluctant to entertain Hall's departure.
What might alter that position is Hall himself, with The Sun claiming this week that Hall is keen to depart for the Reds. Should he push for a transfer, as Alexander Isak famously did last summer to secure his Liverpool move, it could leave Newcastle with limited options.
United's alternatives and options
The Reds have recruited Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea to bolster their midfield, while Karl Darlow has arrived on a free transfer to serve as the backup goalkeeper. However, a left-back and another central midfielder are regarded as essential acquisitions by Carrick.
Should Hall prove out of reach, United will turn their attention to alternative targets. Club Brugge's Joaquin Seys, valued at £30m, is one possibility as is Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander, who would set them back around £14m.
If a new signing was not able to arrive, Carrick does have the option of deploying Lisandro Martinez at left-back. The United boss will also be boosted by Shaw featuring in all 38 Premier League matches last season.
Patrick Dorgu may even be called back to his original position when he signed for the club in January 2025. He was initially purchased as a left-back, but thrived when Carrick deployed him as a left-winger.
