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Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall could emerge as one of four defensive additions across the next two transfer windows at Manchester United, according to reports.

The Red Devils spent much of the closing stages of the market exploring the possibility of bringing in a new left-back after focusing earlier in the summer on strengthening midfield.

Manchester United were linked with several options, including Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, RB Leipzig’s David Raum, Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas and Manchester City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri, among others.

There was speculation that Newcastle might have been open to selling Hall, but Manchester United were reportedly deterred by the £75m valuation placed on him in the final days of the window. The Red Devils were also said to have made an approach for Manchester City’s Ait-Nouri in a late attempt to secure a left-back.

Manchester Evening News chief Manchester United correspondent Tyrone Marshall believes there is a “good chance” the Red Devils will land Hall in 2027.

Marshall said: “It’s hard to say 8 months out, but I think there’s a good chance they sign Lewis Hall next year.”

The Telegraph’s James Ducker has reported that Manchester United are lining up a full-scale defensive rebuild next year, with as many as four signings possible.

Ducker wrote: ‘#MUFC have completed the second phase of their three tier transfer strategy, with the defence revamp planned for next summer in a project that all told could cost in excess of £500m.

‘But could not fast-tracking a new LB (like they did a GK last year) come back to bite them this season?

‘Could be two new FBs & two new CBs next summer depending on what happens with existing players but no recognised quality alternative to Shaw this season a gamble.’

Manchester United legend Roy Keane is unconvinced Hall would have been “the answer” at left-back for the Red Devils this summer, as he has doubts about the England international’s defensive qualities.

Asked about Hall’s possible move to Manchester United, Keane said: “I don’t think Hall is the answer. He’s not bad, don’t get me wrong.

“I don’t think he’s a good defender.

“We’re going back to that [conversation]: what’s your priority in a defender now?

“Of course you want him to be comfortable in possession, of course, but first and foremost, they can defend because that’s what your challenge is now.

“Whatever it is with your attacking players, ‘Listen lads, two midfielders and an attacking four, go and win us the game’, but we’ve got to be solid defensively”, even if it’s sacrificing being good on the ball.”