Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Bournemouth and France left-back Adrien Truffert as an alternative to Newcastle's Lewis Hall.
Central midfield was identified as United's primary area of focus at the start of the summer transfer window, with the club going on to capture Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba for a combined fee of around £155million.
Left-back search continues
United chiefs had also been exploring avenues with a view to bringing in support and competition for Luke Shaw, the only specialist left-back in Michael Carrick's first-team squad other than academy product Harry Amass.
Newcastle full-back Lewis Hall soon emerged as United's top target in this position on the back of an outstanding three-year spell with the Magpies following a £28m switch from Chelsea.
Hall was believed to be 'keen' on the prospect of a move to the Theatre of Dreams in order to play Champions League football and compete at the highest level. The departure of Eddie Howe – who shares an agent with Hall – only fuelled speculation that the 22-year-old England international could also be set for the exit door at St James' Park.
United admit misstep
However, Newcastle made it clear that Hall would not be sold unless the club received an astronomical offer for the young defender – and the Red Devils were forced to drop their pursuit.
According to The i Paper, United's hierarchy, 'at all levels', concede that they made a 'huge misstep' by failing to bring in a left-back, a mistake they are determined to rectify next summer.
While the Red Devils will be expected to renew their pursuit of Hall, they have drawn up a shortlist of alternatives in case a deal for former Chelsea man does not materialise.
Truffert's profile
It's claimed United officials are 'long-term admirers' of Truffert, a player widely tipped to move on from Bournemouth at the end of the 2026/27 campaign.
The report adds that the Old Trafford giants should, though, be prepared for 'plenty of competition' if they decide to step up their interest in the sought-after Frenchman, who has been capped three times by his country.
Truffert has made 45 appearances in all competitions for the Cherries since arriving at the Vitality Stadium from Rennes in a £14.4m deal in June 2025. The Belgium-born 24-year-old has started all seven of Bournemouth's opening matches in the Premier League under new manager Marco Rose this term. His current contract on the south coast runs through to 2030.
Shaw injury impact
An injury to Shaw means Diogo Dalot has filled in as a makeshift left-back for United's last two matches against Atletico Madrid and Leeds in the Champions League and the Premier League respectively. The 31-year-old England international was pictured limping his way out of Old Trafford following United's 1-1 draw with Tottenham and has not featured since.
Carrick has refused to provide a timeline regarding Shaw's possible return to first-team action.
