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Manchester United are looking to sign a new left-back, but at present they appear to be finding it difficult to secure leading targets Lewis Hall and Alejandro Balde.

Sources with close knowledge of the situation have confirmed that Manchester United recently made contact regarding both Hall and Balde.

Newcastle United are insistent that they do not want to sell Hall, especially after already losing several important players this summer, along with manager Eddie Howe.

At the same time, the Red Devils were initially given some encouragement to examine a possible move for Balde after an approach made through intermediaries.

The player himself, though, has spoken publicly to make it clear that he wants to remain at Barcelona, raising questions over the situation.

The latest information from sources is that Balde is determined to stay at Barcelona, and the club will not push him out.

However, there has been no real progress on a new contract for the 22-year-old, and some sources had been led to think that this might make him available.

With United in the market for a left-back, it appears they were encouraged to explore the deal, although it now seems very unlikely to happen this summer.

“United want a left-back and have looked into Balde’s situation. The current feeling is that it’s not happening this summer, but if he doesn’t agree a new contract it’s one to watch again in the future,” one source explained.

Of course, it is still unclear whether Balde will remain one of United’s priorities, as they could eventually decide to go strongly for someone like Hall, or turn to another option elsewhere.

Despite some reports of Manchester United preparing a bid for Hall, it is understood that such a move does not look realistically close at this stage.

There have been some contacts to gather information on the situation, but the clear message for now is that Newcastle are not willing to entertain offers.

Chelsea are also interested in Hall, so that is another situation to keep an eye on, but in general Newcastle are expected to make it very difficult for the 21-year-old to leave.

In any case, the club must resolve the issue surrounding their manager and deal with Bruno Guimaraes’ expected move to Arsenal.

Hall is very highly rated by top clubs, however, so it may be that teams such as United and Chelsea wait to see whether an opening emerges to sign him later in the summer, or choose to stay patient and try again in future transfer windows.