Manchester United will attempt to sign a left-back before the summer transfer window closes, having completed the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton.
The Manchester Evening News reported in May that United had laid out their priorities for the window: overhauling the midfield, strengthening the left wing and signing a left-back. Baleba is United's third midfield signing of the window following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Marcus Rashford has been reintegrated, which has strengthened the left flank, and now a left-back is being targeted.
Left-back targets identified
United admire Lewis Hall and view him as a dream Luke Shaw successor, but signing him this summer was made unlikely by other positions being prioritised and the context of Newcastle's transfer window. Newcastle have sold Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. Losing Hall after so many high-profile departures would have been a disaster and the Magpies will now attempt to tie him down to a new contract.
Hall has three years remaining on his deal at St. James' Park. United are expected to reignite their interest in the 22-year-old next summer, a window in which the club will spend significantly on the defence.
Alternative options explored
However, United are exploring an alternative left-back signing before the transfer deadline on September 1. There is interest in Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde, although United sources have downplayed the chances of striking a deal to sign him. Sources in Spain say Balde is valued at around the £30m mark, and Barcelona are not interested in sending him out on loan, even with the potential to include an option or obligation to buy in the deal. Racing Santander left-back Jorge Salinas is another player to have been linked to United.
Outgoings and academy exits
In terms of outgoings, Michael Carrick said no players had expressed a desire to leave before the deadline when he spoke last week, but Joshua Zirkzee has attracted interest from Italy. Juventus have considered a loan with a potential option/obligation to buy Zirkzee. There could be developments with the Dutchman's situation before the deadline, but the time for United to find a replacement is running out, making them less likely to sanction a move.
Toby Collyer is poised to leave the club before the deadline. West Brom opened preliminary talks over Collyer earlier this month, and the midfielder has attracted interest from other Championship clubs. There will be further academy outgoings. Dan Gore, Diego Leon, Jack Moorhouse, James Overy, Gabriele Biancheri and Jayce Fitzgerald were absent from the Under-21 squad on Monday night, suggesting they're close to leaving. Harry Amass and Jaydan Kamason both started against Ipswich, but could also leave before the deadline.
