According to fresh reports, Manchester United could be set to miss out on their ‘dream’ signing of Lewis Hall from Newcastle United, with Bayern Munich emerging as a potential obstacle.
The Red Devils are expected to complete four or five major signings during the upcoming summer transfer window, as club executives aim to strengthen the squad ahead of their return to the UEFA Champions League.
Interim manager Michael Carrick has managed to extract strong performances from his current group in recent months, but the team is still in need of reinforcements before facing multiple competitions next season.
Manchester United are understood to be focusing primarily on overhauling their midfield and plan to bring in at least two players to reinforce that area. A new report indicates that the club is ‘confident’ of landing its top transfer targets for a combined fee of around £139 million.
However, the club also intends to introduce competition in other positions, particularly at left-back, given Luke Shaw’s recurring injury issues.
United have been loosely linked with Lewis Hall in recent months, and a report from TEAMtalk suggests that the 19-year-old has been identified as a ‘dream’ signing and considered their ‘top target’ for the left-back position.
Newcastle United will likely need to part ways with a few key assets to balance their finances ahead of a season without European football, and Hall is among those players who could potentially be allowed to leave.
Other players such as Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Nick Woltemade have also been linked with possible exits. Hall, who Newcastle reportedly value at £55 million, is said to be ‘open to considering a departure from St James’ Park if the right offer comes in.’
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are also mentioned as potential suitors alongside Manchester United, but Bayern Munich are now reportedly ‘set to make serious enquiries’ regarding the young full-back this summer.
The report further adds: ‘Sources close to Bayern believe that the club views the full-back role as one of the few remaining weak spots in an otherwise world-class squad. Hall’s age, adaptability, and attacking ability make him highly admired within the club. For the moment, Newcastle’s stance remains firm, and insiders continue to insist that there is absolutely no intention to encourage a sale.’
In addition, it has been reported that the Red Devils are monitoring a Borussia Dortmund player as a potential replacement option, should one of their current defenders choose to leave Old Trafford this summer.
