Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley has urged the club to step up their efforts to sign Lewis Hall, describing the Newcastle star as the 'perfect' addition at Old Trafford.
United's transfer priorities
United have already strengthened their midfield with the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for around £83million combined. However, the club's transfer business is not done, with bosses keen to close the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City after an end-of-season resurgence under Michael Carrick.
Left-back has become the new focus, with Luke Shaw the only specialist in the squad and Harry Amass expected to leave on loan again.
Bardsley's verdict
Hall, an England international, is reportedly top of United's wishlist after three strong seasons at St James' Park. However, Newcastle are insistent the 21-year-old is not for sale, forcing United to consider alternatives like Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jorge Salinas, and Antonee Robinson.
'There's still time in the transfer window but they need at least one more midfielder, someone who is more defensively-minded, and another left-back,' Bardsley told Casinolyze. 'Luke Shaw has looked sharp in pre-season but with his injury record you always worry. I don't think you can always rely on him for a full season, especially when United are back in the Champions League.'
'Lewis Hall from Newcastle United would be the perfect fit. It's just a question of getting him out of Newcastle United this summer when they've already sold so many players and lost Eddie Howe. He's a Premier League proven player though and a great age. I think the way he plays suits Manchester United to a tee.'
Hall vs Lewis-Skelly
Bardsley believes Hall is a more sensible signing than Lewis-Skelly, despite the Arsenal player's quality. 'I prefer Lewis Hall to Myles Lewis-Skelly when you look at what Manchester United need this summer. Hall is better suited to playing left-back,' he said.
'I think if you look at Lewis-Skelly, he's a much better player when you play him in midfield, and I don't think United need another young player going into the middle of the park. They need a proven defensive midfielder who's got that experience to come in and own that position.'
'Listen, he's a quality player. There's no doubt about it. He won the Premier League last season and started in a Champions League final in midfield. But for me, if I had to pick between the two of them, it's Lewis Hall every day of the week and twice on Sunday.'
