Manchester United will have to find an alternative transfer to Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall who has reportedly agreed to a new contract
Manchester United’s hopes of signing Lewis Hall next summer have been dealt a significant blow after revelations about a potential release clause in the left-back’s contract. United pinpointed Hall as their top left-back priority this summer, but were told the England international would not be sold by Newcastle United.
The Magpies parted with Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal, and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham during a chaotic summer transfer window, and were determined not to sell any more key players. United did investigate alternative left-back possibilities, with Alejandro Balde, Ian Maatsen, and Rayan Ait-Nouri touted as potential left-back signings for the Red Devils.
However, they chose to hold fire, with indications that United will instead make a fresh approach for Hall in the summer.
Nevertheless, reports emerged earlier this week that Hall had reached an agreement with Newcastle over a new deal, and is expected to sign a two-year extension at St. James’ Park.
There were some suggestions that the new contract may include a release clause, but that too seems to have been dismissed.
According to the Daily Mail, Hall’s new deal at Newcastle won’t feature a release clause, meaning United will have to pay a premium to attract him to Old Trafford.
Alongside the squad changes, Newcastle also appointed a new manager at St. James’ Park this summer.
Matthias Jaissle took over from the outgoing Eddie Howe, and speaking about the recently-installed boss, Hall said: “There was a lot of negativity before everything happened and as soon as the gaffer came in, he’s been top, as well as all of the coaching staff.
“The way he’s got us playing is amazing and I can speak on behalf of everyone – we’re really enjoying playing under him. We knew it was going to be tough.
“Whenever you come away in the cup, anything can happen, so we’re really proud of the win and to keep a clean sheet as well.”
Meanwhile, United manager Michael Carrick has hinted that Patrick Dorgu could fill in at left-back when required, with Luke Shaw the only senior player in that position.
Carrick said: “He [Dorgu] can certainly play there, he has done and I am not saying he can’t do that. The way we’ve worked since I’ve been here, he’s unfortunately been injured for some time.
“For me he’s almost like a new player to have, like a new signing in some ways because he’s added so much to the group. He played off the right for Denmark and scored a great goal in the summer, he can play left-back.
“He can do a number of things. At some point he might have to do that. There are times in training when he does it. He’s only young and having the attributes he has got, we have to try and get the most out of him.”
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