Manchester United are reportedly preparing to capitalise on the turmoil at Newcastle United by making a move for left-back Lewis Hall. The development comes just hours after Eddie Howe's sudden departure from St James' Park was confirmed.
Howe's exit and Newcastle's summer sales
Eddie Howe reportedly decided to step down several weeks ago, with the news emerging just weeks before the start of the new Premier League season. Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer, to Barcelona and Tottenham respectively, while Bruno Guimaraes continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal.
United's interest in Hall
According to The Sun, those in power at Old Trafford view Hall as a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw. The report adds that Hall is eager to seek a fresh challenge, having informed Newcastle of his desire to leave prior to Howe's departure. He reportedly felt his positional change towards the end of last season cost him a place in the England squad for the World Cup.
Newcastle are set to appoint Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle to replace Howe, and it is suggested that Hall could be convinced to stay depending on how he gets on with the new manager.
United's left-back situation
Throughout the summer, it has been reported that United are eager to bring in a new left-back, with Shaw their only real option in the position at the moment. Shaw recently turned 31 and will be out of contract at the end of next season, meaning time is of the essence to find a long-term replacement.
Shaw lacks an outright competitor at Old Trafford, with Tyrell Malacia having been released and Patrick Dorgu playing higher up the pitch under Michael Carrick. United want to sell Harry Amass, with a number of Championship teams said to be interested in signing the former Norwich City loanee. Diego Leon, meanwhile, is still training with United's youth teams and isn't yet considered ready to play regularly at senior level.
