Manchester United's hopes of signing Lewis Hall next summer have suffered another setback after details emerged about a potential release clause in the left-back's contract. United identified Hall as their primary left-back target this summer but were told by Newcastle to look elsewhere.
Newcastle's summer turmoil
The Magpies lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal, and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham during a turbulent summer transfer window and were determined to stop the bleeding. United did explore alternative left-back options, with Alejandro Balde, Ian Maatsen, and Rayan Ait-Nouri mooted as potential options for the Red Devils.
In the end, they opted to keep their powder dry, with suggestions that United will instead make a return for Hall in the summer. However, news broke earlier this week that Hall has reached a contract agreement with Newcastle and is expected to sign a two-year extension with the North East outfit.
Release clause quashed
There were some rumours that the hasty extension might have included a release clause, but that too appears to have been quashed. As per the Daily Mail, Hall's new deal at Newcastle won't include a release clause, meaning United will have to pay top dollar to lure him to Old Trafford.
Alongside the player turnover, Newcastle also welcomed a new manager to St. James' Park this summer. Matthias Jaissle replaced the departing Eddie Howe, and on the recently-appointed coach, Hall remarked: "There was a lot of negativity before everything happened and as soon as the gaffer came in, he's been top, as well as all of the coaching staff.
"The way he's got us playing is amazing and I can speak on behalf of everyone - we're really enjoying playing under him. We knew it was going to be tough. Whenever you come away in the cup, anything can happen, so we're really proud of the win and to keep a clean sheet as well."
Carrick's left-back options
Meanwhile, United boss Michael Carrick said that he expects Patrick Dorgu to deputise at left-back if necessary. The Englishman remarked: "He [Dorgu] can certainly play there, he has done and I am not saying he can't do that. The way we've worked since I've been here, he's unfortunately been injured for some time.
"For me he's almost like a new player to have, like a new signing in some ways because he's added so much to the group. He played off the right for Denmark and scored a great goal in the summer, he can play left-back. He can do a number of things. At some point he might have to do that. There are times in training when he does it. He's only young and having the attributes he has got, we have to try and get the most out of him."
