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The leading Manchester United target at left-back, Lewis Hall, is now in discussions over signing a different contract, with a fresh report outlining the decision taken by Newcastle.

Manchester United are set to complete their midfield revamp with the arrival of Carlos Baleba in the next few days. The Brighton ball-winner is expected to move to Old Trafford for around £70m, and personal terms have already been agreed.

Karl Darlow has been lined up to provide goalkeeping cover for Senne Lammens, with Manchester United’s attention soon expected to switch fully towards signing a new left-back and possibly a striker as well.

Whether the Red Devils bring in a new centre-forward depends first on finding a buyer for Joshua Zirkzee. At left-back, though, Manchester United do not need any departures before making an addition.

As already reported, their priority target has been and remains Lewis Hall. Other names have been linked, including Joaquin Seys of Club Brugge, Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, but Hall is the first-choice option for INEOS.

The 21-year-old is understood to be open to leaving St James’ Park for Old Trafford. Even so, persuading Newcastle to sanction a sale appears extremely difficult.

According to the latest update from journalist Sam Cohen, the Magpies are doing everything possible to persuade Hall to commit to fresh terms in the north east.

He reported that Newcastle are not only in talks over a new contract and improved wages, but have also offered the youngster a place in the ‘leadership team’ despite his young age under new manager Matthias Jaissle.

Cohen wrote: ‘Lewis Hall is in discussions with Newcastle over a new contract amid interest from Manchester United.

‘Talks centre around improved terms. Hall has also been offered a role within the leadership team under new manager Matthias Jaissle.

‘Manchester United have been told he’s not for sale.’

Newcastle’s stance that Hall is not for sale had originally been reported on August 4.

Understandably, Newcastle have no desire to sell Hall after already losing three of their best players this summer.

With Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon all having been sold, it is not unreasonable to suggest Hall may actually be Newcastle’s best player at this moment.

Another left-back who will not be joining Manchester United is Lewis-Skelly. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Thursday that Lewis-Skelly is “100 percent” staying at Arsenal.

However, there may yet be more encouraging news for the Red Devils, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealing on Thursday afternoon that Manchester United have contacted super agent Jorge Mendes over the possible signing of Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde.