Manchester United have been told they have "no chance" of signing Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, while Barcelona's Alejandro Balde is reportedly available for around £38m after being told to "stay at home" by his manager.
United's defensive recruitment drive
Michael Carrick's side are looking to strengthen their defence after a humiliating 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium on the opening day of the Premier League season. The loss highlighted the urgent need for additions, particularly at the back.
New midfield signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos played in that defeat, and they will soon be joined by Brighton's Carlos Baleba after United agreed a £70m package for the midfielder. But the club appear to have more business planned before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Hall 'no chance' response
Newcastle's new manager Matthias Jaissle has seemingly dismissed the prospect of Lewis Hall moving to Old Trafford, according to the Mirror. United have been strongly linked with the 21-year-old England international following his impressive performances for the Magpies, aside from Sunday when his error handed Liverpool a late penalty in a 2-2 draw.
Legendary United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel raised the transfer rumours when speaking with Jaissle after the clash, saying: "We're [Manchester United] after your left-back." Jaissle issued a firm response: "No chance! No chance!"
Newcastle have already offloaded key players this summer, including Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, and it is thought they would demand at least £70m for Hall if he were to be sold.
Balde facing Barcelona exit
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick was reportedly due to hold discussions with Alejandro Balde on Monday following reports casting doubt over the defender's future. The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to United and was omitted from Barcelona's matchday squad for their 5-0 win over Elche on Sunday.
Spanish outlet Sport reported that Flick and Balde were set to have a "face-to-face meeting" after the full-back was left out. It is suggested the talks could "open the door" for the defender to depart if the situation remains unresolved, with Barcelona willing to cash in for around £38m to raise funds.
Flick is reportedly keen to retain Balde but wants the player to show determination to fight his way back into the side. Barcelona already have Joao Cancelo, Xavi Espart and Gerard Martin as potential left-back replacements.
Explaining his decision to exclude the defender, Flick 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."
He added: "He's a player of immense quality, and it's important to know if he's confident he can compete in his position. That's what I want to see from all my players. Every day I observe what they do, their level, whether they demonstrate that they're at the level to play."
