Manchester United have not dropped their plan to sign Lewis Hall, but they now recognise that they must look at other options for the left-back role in the closing weeks of the transfer window.
After first focusing on strengthening the midfield, United made the signing of a new left-back one of their main objectives this summer, with Hall emerging as their preferred target earlier in the window.
According to TEAMtalk, Hall continues to be highly rated at Old Trafford, and the England international is open to making the switch. However, his club Newcastle United have remained firm and have given no indication that they are prepared to approve his exit.
That has effectively paused United’s interest for the time being. They may return to the matter after the summer, but sporting director Jason Wilcox and his recruitment staff are already examining alternative solutions.
Negotiations with Roma
David Raum is already among the leading names on their shortlist. TeamTalk had reported earlier this year that Manchester United are admirers of the RB Leipzig and Germany international.
The 28-year-old’s contract situation makes him a particularly appealing option. Raum has fewer than 12 months remaining on his current deal, and although there is a release clause worth around £34 million, intermediaries believe an agreement for less than £30 million could be possible if he does not extend his contract.
The same report stated that Raum has already spoken with Manchester United. More significantly, he would welcome the opportunity to join Old Trafford and compete with Luke Shaw for a place in the starting XI.
Manchester United consider several options for the left-back role
Raum is not the only player being considered to fill the left-back position.
The report confirmed that “Alejandro Balde, the Barcelona player, was evaluated alongside Hall and Nathaniel Brown earlier in the recruitment process, but ongoing injury problems mean United does not currently view the Barcelona star as a realistic option”.
Younger candidates are also being closely assessed. They include Club Brugge’s Joaquin Seys, Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert and young Spanish talent Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander.
United’s recruitment department therefore have a solid range of alternatives available, even though Hall remains very much under consideration.
He explained: “The priority now is to find a left-back who can strengthen coach Michael Carrick’s squad without forcing United into an overpriced deal, as the situation of Raum’s contract makes him one of the most interesting options”.
He concluded: “At present, Hall is still a Newcastle player, and United accepts the possibility that they may have to wait, while Wilcox and his recruitment team work on studying the alternatives before the final weeks of the transfer window”.
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