Lewis Hall has reportedly doubled down on his desire to join Manchester United after seeing his exit route blocked by Newcastle. The young defender, valued at around £60million, continues to be linked with a potential summer move to Old Trafford.
He has reportedly been earmarked to provide quality cover for Luke Shaw and eventually replace him as United's starting left-back. Over the weekend, it was reported that Newcastle were opposed to selling Hall after losing Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes since the start of the window.
Newcastle's firm stance
According to talkSPORT, the Magpies swiftly rebuffed a tentative approach from United, insisting in no uncertain terms that Hall wasn't available for transfer. However, their firm stance doesn't seem to have deterred the defender, who remains eager to leave St James' Park and secure a move to Old Trafford.
His wishes have not changed, according to The Sun, with the 21-year-old still pushing to join the Red Devils. It's claimed that Newcastle are taking steps to dampen talk of Hall departing the club, given their desire to keep him.
Hall's determination
The report adds that Hall felt his positional change towards the end of last season cost him a place in the England squad for the World Cup. However, even though Eddie Howe is no longer in the dugout, the defender still wants to leave.
Newcastle are under no financial pressure to sell after raising nearly £245million through player sales in recent weeks. Hall also remains contracted until the summer of 2029.
United urged to sign him
United have already been urged to bring him to Old Trafford by former Red Devils striker Louis Saha, who recently compared his playing style to that of Patrice Evra.
"I really like Lewis Hall, I think he is a very exciting player," Saha told PariuriX.com. "He reminds me a lot of Patrice Evra who was always bombarding forward. He had the mental strength to believe he could both attack and defend very well."
"Patrice Evra and Lewis Hall play in a very similar style and I like the fact that Lewis Hall is very comfortable on the ball as well. He is also a product of the new invention Pep Guardiola created as he can go inside and play in the midfield as well."
"I think Lewis Hall would give the team the type of diversity the team needs from the back. He can defend very well but he can also hurt the opponents."
United have also been linked with a potential move for Arsenal utility man Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has reportedly been offered to several Premier League clubs including the Red Devils.
