Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle has dismissed talk of Manchester United chasing Lewis Hall, insisting there is no substance to suggestions the defender could join them. Former United star Peter Schmeichel told the Magpies boss about his old club eyeing the 21-year-old, and got a firm response.
Schmeichel's TV exchange
Schmeichel was on punditry duties for ViaPlay's coverage of Newcastle's 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday and said: "We're [Man United] after your left-back." Jaissle initially misinterpreted the remark, before responding: "No chance! No chance!" The German could not have been more emphatic - Hall is not for sale.
Hall remains one of the most highly regarded young full-backs in the Premier League, widely viewed as a future England regular. His omission from this summer's England World Cup squad stunned many and only fuelled speculation over his future at St James' Park.
Newcastle's stance amid interest
Reports have hinted at frustration on Hall's side, and with Michael Carrick actively seeking a new left-back, United have been linked. But Newcastle's stance and Jaissle's tone suggest the noise around Hall may be running ahead of reality.
Nevertheless, having already parted with Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, it's extremely doubtful Newcastle would offload Hall this summer, with merely days remaining of the window. Carrick's side are seeking to strengthen the left-back position in their squad, but now appear as though they'll need to identify other alternatives.
Barcelona defender linked
Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde is amongst those being touted for a switch to Old Trafford, and was notably absent from their squad for Sunday night's clash with Elche. Barca manager Hansi Flick addressed that absence and said: "I spoke with Alejandro Balde today and said to him that I think you're not here 100%, so it's best that you stay at home and clear your mind. We will talk again tomorrow. But I have NOT told Alejandro Balde to leave. I spoke with him this morning, I told him to think about it and that we'll talk again tomorrow."
Hall's match against Liverpool
Hall played the full match against Liverpool, but his afternoon soured when he brought down Victor Munoz in the penalty area. Speaking on Sky Sports commentary duty, Gary Neville said: "There was no touch on the ball, and it looked like a penalty - and it is. Hall has been incredible but that is not going to be overturned. One thing I recognised straightaway was there was no touch on the ball. It looked like a penalty right away. Lewis Hall in all parts of this game, against Munoz and Ngumoha, has moved his feet. He's not taken the lazier option to stand there and just put his leg out. He's got low, he's been really sharp in his defending and in the final seconds… I think Hall knows deep inside that it was a penalty."
Dominik Szoboszlai's late penalty earned Liverpool a share of the spoils at St James' Park.
