Manchester United's ideal conclusion to the summer transfer window could involve a U-turn on Lewis Hall and the departure of Joshua Zirkzee, with further business expected after a disappointing start to the campaign.
The Red Devils opened the season with a 2-0 defeat away to Hull City, prompting a rethink of priorities. New signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos underwhelmed on their debuts, and the club has since reacted by bringing in Carlos Baleba from Brighton for £70million. More activity is anticipated, both in terms of incomings and outgoings, with Michael Carrick set for a busy end to the window.
Lewis Hall U-turn
United are known to be significant admirers of Newcastle's Lewis Hall, having pursued the defender throughout the summer. Magpies boss Matthias Jaissle has stressed that he has no intention of allowing Hall to depart. When United legend Peter Schmeichel enquired whether the full-back might move to Old Trafford, Jaissle declared: "No chance! No chance!"
However, more unusual situations have unfolded in past transfer windows. Newcastle supporters will still be nursing the wounds of the Alexander Isak affair last summer, where the once-adored forward was instructed to train apart from the squad amid accusations of "broken promises" and "misleading" statements. The Swede ultimately moved to Liverpool for £125m after sitting out several Premier League fixtures and generating a transfer saga that remains a talking point 12 months later.
Hall is an entirely different character from his former colleague and may not contemplate attempting a stand-off to secure a switch to United. Nevertheless, he might view this as a realistic avenue, with Jaissle dismissing any rumours despite United maintaining a strong interest in the 21-year-old. Hall would cost upwards of £60m.
£40m deal done
Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a departure from United for quite some time. Nevertheless, Carrick has no desire to allow the Dutchman to exit for a bargain price. The 25-year-old has drawn attention from Napoli, Aston Villa and Juventus. The Sun claim that United are insisting on a minimum of £40m before entertaining a permanent sale for the striker.
Zirkzee could secure a return to Serie A this summer following two campaigns with Bologna prior to his arrival in Manchester. Juventus have made approaches with Napoli equally interested. Nevertheless, both clubs may need to free up squad space before pursuing a deal for Zirkzee. Villa had shown interest in the striker following Ollie Watkins' expected departure to Saudi Arabia, though a return to Italy could prove more attractive to the 25-year-old.
With Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford all viable alternatives for Carrick, Zirkzee's departure from Old Trafford could be drawing closer.
