Manchester United have taken a step towards signing Lewis Hall, with two journalists providing updates on the Newcastle United full-back. The exact value of that proposal has yet to emerge, though Hall is expected to cost around £60m.
Our transfer correspondent, Graeme Bailey, revealed on Thursday that Man Utd are preparing a huge opening offer for Hall, with the pursuit being led by their director of football, Jason Wilcox. Newcastle are reluctant to sell the talented left-back but will entertain offers given Hall’s desire to leave, starting at £60m.
Hall was left frustrated at the end of last season when he lost his starting place at left-back to Dan Burn, which in turn saw the 21-year-old miss out on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. Hall is also concerned about the direction of Newcastle’s project following the departures of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and manager Eddie Howe over the past year. Captain Bruno Guimaraes is on the verge of joining Arsenal, and Hall could follow him out of the club.
One previous stumbling block for Man Utd was that Hall and Howe are both represented by The Team agency. But according to Old Trafford reporter Andy Mitten, Howe’s departure represents a boost for Man Utd as they pursue Hall. Mitten said on the United We Stand Podcast: “The Lewis Hall situation is interesting because he shares an agent with Eddie Howe and he’s now stepped down as Newcastle manager. “That was definitely an issue, but it’ll be less of an issue now is my understanding. I understand that Lewis Hall would absolutely be amenable to join Manchester United.”
Chelsea have been handed a transfer blow with reports suggesting that left-back Lewis Hall isn't keen on a return to the club. Journalist Simon Phillips reports that Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso showed an interest in Hall, but the player himself didn't want to make the move back to the club.