Apart from midfield, Manchester United are also keen to strengthen at left-back, where Michael Carrick remains short on specialist options.
Currently, the head coach only has Luke Shaw to call upon. The Englishman did start every Premier League game last season, but it would be a mistake for INEOS to trust him ahead of a more gruelling campaign.
Both Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot can play out on the left, but both favour the right flank, while the Moroccan’s future remains up in the air.
There is Patrick Dorgu and Harry Amass, but the Dane is likely to be afforded more chances in an attacking role, while the academy sensation could be moved on this summer.
Lewis Hall would be perfect for United
This explains why the Red Devils are looking at Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, with the 21-year-old also open to a switch to Old Trafford.
The Magpies will demand a premium fee, which is why INEOS have placed their transfer pursuit on ice, at least until they sign their third midfielder or until significant player sales occur.
This delay has allowed Chelsea to take a lead in the race, as per journalist Simon Phillips, who has claimed that the Blues have quietly opened conversations over the England international.
The Stamford Bridge outfit consider Lewis Hall as their “dream target”, and even though the player left Chelsea under acrimonious circumstances, Xabi Alonso has plans to fix the rift.
Chelsea ready to pip United in the race for Lewis Hall
The new boss is willing to make the Newcastle talisman a central figure in his plans, and that could be enough to persuade him to rejoin his former club.
“Hall is largely expected to be departing Newcastle United this summer, with Manchester United the main linked side. But nothing has moved there yet, and Chelsea are hovering…
“Hall continues to come up in conversations at the club, and my own conversations with my top source, makes it an intriguing situation still.
“Our top source believes that even though Hall left Chelsea on fairly bad terms, there is a chance it can be repaired and the player can be convinced to come back, with the help of Xabi Alonso and the fact they will offer him a key starting role in the squad under him.”
Why United remain in pole position for Lewis Hall
It has been reported before that the full-back wants Champions League football, something the London club cannot offer him this season.
This hands INEOS some breathing space, but not for too long. If they continue to dawdle, the player might be forced to move elsewhere.
The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 6/10Why?
✅: The reporter is a reputable source for Chelsea news
✅: It is well known that Lewis Hall wants to jump ship this summer
: The Englishman wants Champions League football, which Chelsea cannot offer.
: It has been reported that the player prefers United.
TPP view
We believe Chelsea’s interest in Lewis Hall is genuine. However, United remain in the driver’s seat, but if they continue to dilly-dally, the situation could change.
Feature image Stu Forster via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
