Manchester United have received a fresh boost in their pursuit of Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, but their hopes of signing Lewis Hall from Newcastle have been ended.
The Red Devils are intensifying their summer-long search for a new left-back ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline, with Michael Carrick seeking a long-term successor to Luke Shaw. Shaw, who turned 31 in July, is into the final 12 months of his contract, though United hold an option to trigger an automatic one-year extension.
Newcastle reject Hall approach
Hall appeared to be United's top target after his impressive form since joining Newcastle from Chelsea, initially on loan, in 2023. Reports over the weekend suggested United could test Newcastle's resolve before the window closes.
However, Newcastle do not want to lose another key player following the exits of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. Their stance over Hall was made clear after Sunday's dramatic 2-2 draw with Liverpool in their Premier League opener at St James' Park.
Hall was excellent in that match, though he conceded the last-gasp penalty for a foul on Victor Munoz that allowed Dominik Szoboszlai to equalise from the spot. In an interview with Viaplay after the game, pundit and Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel told Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle that his former club were currently “looking at” Hall. Jaissle replied twice with a chuckle: “No chance.”
Balde wants Old Trafford move
There could be better news for United over Balde, for whom they are said to have made an initial approach last week. The Spanish international was left out of Barcelona's squad for a thumping win at Elche to begin their LaLiga title defence on Sunday, with head coach Hansi Flick admitting after the game that his omission was due to the distraction caused by the transfer speculation.
According to Catalan publication Sport, Balde wants to leave Barcelona before the deadline and has instructed his agent Jorge Mendes to negotiate a potential switch to Old Trafford, having spoken fondly of Manchester United in the past.
“I spoke with Alejandro Balde today and said to him that I think you're not here 100 per cent, so it's best that you stay at home and clear your mind,” Flick said after the 5-0 thrashing of Elche. “We will talk again tomorrow.” He added: “I have not told Alejandro Balde to leave. I spoke with him this morning, I told him to think about [it].”
Baleba deal close
United's attention has turned back to a new left-back after they agreed a deal with Brighton for long-term target Carlos Baleba worth an initial £65million, plus a further £5m in add-ons. Baleba underwent a medical over the weekend and signed a five-year contract, with an official announcement expected on Monday.
He may not be available to make his debut until mid-September due to an ankle ligament injury sustained during pre-season, and the club may be cautious and not play him until after the three-week international break ends in October. Baleba will be Carrick's fourth senior signing of the summer, after fellow midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, and back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
On Sunday, Manchester United confirmed that 19-year-old midfielder Jacob Devaney had joined Hibernian on an initial season-long loan, with Hibs saying the deal includes an option for a permanent transfer next summer. The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international spent the second half of last season on loan at St Mirren.
