Man United handed clear Lewis Hall transfer message as Newcastle take firm stance – Manchester Evening News

Manchester United have made the Newcastle United left‑back a target this summer but could suffer a major setback

Newcastle United have made it clear that Lewis Hall is off‑limits this summer, even as Manchester United circle with growing interest. The 21‑year‑old has also attracted attention from Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, but the full‑back is understood to have rejected the chance to return to Stamford Bridge despite coming through their academy.

With Tyrell Malacia departing as a free agent earlier in the window, Luke Shaw is currently the club’s only senior left‑back. Hall has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford and uncertainty around his future at St James’ Park has only intensified following Eddie Howe’s exit.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Reds chiefs have approved a move for the left-back. He said on his YouTube channel: “Many questions on Manchester United and Lewis Hall. I already told you, I think it was in June, and I stand by that information.

“Man United really appreciate Lewis Hall. Man Utd consider Lewis Hall an ideal player to add to their squad. So, he is on Man Utd’s list, for sure, and he is a player internally approved at Manchester United. But my understanding is that Newcastle United will make their life complicated. Newcastle don’t want to sell Lewis.”

However, the i reports that the Reds were preparing to open talks with Newcastle this week, only to be met with a firm stance that Hall is ‘unequivocally not for sale’ and has been earmarked for a key role under new head coach Matthias Jaissle.

Newcastle have already endured a turbulent few weeks following Howe’s exit and with Bruno Guimaraes widely expected to seal a move to Arsenal, Hall had looked like another potential high‑profile departure. However, the club’s strong transfer income so far may give them the freedom to hold firm.

Newcastle have already brought in around £170m from outgoing transfers, a figure that could climb toward £250m if Bruno Guimaraes’ move goes through. That financial cushion means they’re under no pressure to cash in on Hall and are in a position to demand a premium fee for him.

The i adds that United recognise how difficult a deal for Hall will be and have lined up alternative options. Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis‑Skelly is one player they have assessed, while in Spain, AS report that United have identified Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas as another candidate though Barcelona are also in the race.

According to the Spanish outlet, Salinas has been listed as a ‘Plan B’ should United fail to land Hall. The report further claims United would be prepared to trigger the €16m (£13.7m) release clause in his Racing contract, a fee Barcelona are said to be unwilling to match.

Michael Carrick has already added Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow to his squad this summer, with the transfer window set to close on September 1.