Manchester United have been told there is "no chance" of signing Lewis Hall from Newcastle United in the final eight days of the transfer window. The left-back is a target for the Red Devils as they seek a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw, now 31.
Shaw struggled in the 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday as United began their 2026-27 Premier League season badly. Hall has been identified as the dream signing to futureproof the left-back position for United.
But they have been told in no uncertain terms not to even try their luck between now and 11pm next Tuesday (September 1) when the window closes.
Jaissle's blunt response
Despite conceding a crucial penalty that allowed Liverpool to snatch a last-gasp draw at St James' Park on Sunday evening, Hall was impressive against the Reds and shut down Rio Ngumoha in his 63 minutes on the pitch.
Post-match, Newcastle's new manager Matthias Jaissle was interviewed by Viaplay to get his thoughts on the match, with Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel on the panel for the Nordic broadcaster. Towards the end of the chat, Jaissle was asked about Newcastle's transfer plans.
He replied: "I think it will be a stressful period for the sporting director. We have some needs, definitely.
"What positions? Because you asked... I was about to tell you but I'll keep it a secret! If you bring players in, maybe there will be also some players out."
Schmeichel said: "We're [Manchester United] looking at your left-back." Jaissle replied: "Pardon?" Before Schmeichel added: "We. We're looking at your left-back." But Jaissle responded: "No chance. No chance."
To which Schmeichel laughed and said: "No chance? Well, you heard it here! No chance."
Newcastle's stance and United's alternatives
The Magpies are desperate not to lose the English defender because they have already sold captain Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer for over £200million and are building a new-look team under the German head coach.
At this point in the window, 21-year-old Hall is virtually irreplaceable and Jaissle is already busy enough. He wants three or four signings in the final days before the market closes, particularly in midfield.
With Hall, rated at a minimum of £60million, seemingly unattainable, it remains to be seen which other options United pivot to. Racing Santander teenager Jorge Salinas, Fulham's Antonee Robinson, David Raum at RB Leipzig and Alejandro Balde of Barcelona are alternatives on INEOS' radar.
Michael Carrick is about to further strengthen his midfield with the £70m addition of Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion and would love to add another left-back to his squad before the deadline.
Arsenal wonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly is another player liked by United but Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has firmly closed the door on any exit.
He said of the 19-year-old academy graduate: "The players that have been raised in our system - and they feel generally that love and that connection with the club - bring something else.
"There's no question about that. We need to look after them in a really special way because they bring value that is very difficult to find.
"That's why, when we can, we want to protect those assets as much as possible, develop them and make them extremely important for the club."
