Manchester United have reportedly identified Jorge Salinas as their 'plan B' should they miss out on a transfer deal for Newcastle defender Lewis Hall.
Central midfield was identified as United's number one priority heading into the summer transfer window and the Red Devils have addressed the apparent weakness by adding Andrey Santos and Yourie Tielemans to Michael Carrick's ranks. But the focus has quickly shifted to other areas in need of fresh blood and it's understood United's hierarchy have placed Newcastle and England star Hall at the top of their wishlist at left-back.
Hall's situation at Newcastle
Hall has proven himself to be among the most sought-after young full-backs in Premier League football over the last three years at Newcastle – and his omission from Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad took many by surprise. Eddie Howe's recent departure at St James' Park has only intensified speculation that the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Hall could be set to follow suit, with close rivals circling and monitoring the situation.
Hall is said to have become a player of 'real interest' in the red half of Manchester and the player himself is believed to be 'keen' on the idea of a move to Old Trafford. However, Newcastle are in no hurry to cash in on Hall and it would likely require an offer in excess of £50million to prise the England international away from the north east.
Salinas emerges as alternative
According to Spanish newspaper SPORT, United have been forced to scour the market for alternatives in the event that Newcastle block their move for Hall – and Racing Santander's Salinas has emerged as a target. It's claimed United are 'very serious' about Salinas and view the 19-year-old as their 'plan B' at left-back this summer.
But while the Red Devils are prepared to pay Salinas' €16m (£13.7m) release clause at Racing Santander, the report states that the youngster is 'prioritising' a switch to Barcelona. The Spanish champions have set their sights on Salinas as they prepare for Joao Cancelo's impending departure for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal. Barca's move for Salinas has stalled in recent weeks, though, allowing United to muscle themselves into the picture for the full-back.
Salinas' profile and potential
United have been keeping close tabs on Salinas for some time and were especially enamoured by his performances at this summer's European Under-19 Championship, where Spain emerged triumphant. Despite his tender years, United bosses are confident Salinas would be able to join up with Michael Carrick's first-team immediately and is ready to compete for a place with Luke Shaw at the Theatre of Dreams.
Salinas' current contract with Racing Santander is not due to expire until June 2029. The teenager made his senior Racing Santander debut back in 2024 and has gone on to make 37 appearances in all competitions for Racing Santander, while chipping in with seven assists. He played an instrumental role last season as his boyhood team won the Segunda Division title to secure La Liga football again for the first time since their relegation back in 2012.
Jenas backs Hall move
For the time being, though, Hall remains United's number one target in this position – and ex-Newcastle and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas believes it would be a 'great move' for the left-back.
'I think it's a great move for him, I really do,' Jenas, who spent three years at Newcastle, told 10bet. 'He's had a fantastic couple of years at Newcastle. I think he was obviously a huge Newcastle United fan after going there from Chelsea and so on, but he's one of those players that people looked at and said he should probably be at the World Cup.
'Like I said, he's had a good, solid year; his development year-in, year-out seems to be getting better and better. For a club like Manchester United to come in for him is a huge step in the right direction—not only for United, because he's just consistent week-in, week-out, but it's also a big loss for Newcastle, I'm not going to lie. For him and his personal career, it's a great move.'
