Chelsea are looking to capitalise on Manchester United’s inaction and sign Newcastle United left back Lewis Hall this summer transfer window.
The Blues sold Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid and have yet to secure a replacement, leaving a significant gap in their defensive options heading into the new season.
Journalist Simon Phillips has reported that Chelsea could accelerate their pursuit of a left back in the coming days, with Hall firmly on their radar.
Manchester United have also registered interest in the 21-year-old but have not taken the necessary steps to turn that interest into a concrete approach.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to take advantage of their rivals’ lack of urgency, with the clock ticking as the new season draws closer.
Hall was among Newcastle United’s standout performers last season and has attracted attention from several of the Premier League’s bigger clubs as a result.
He is currently valued at £34 million on Transfermarkt, though Newcastle’s asking price remains unknown should they decide to sanction his departure.
Hall spent over a decade in Chelsea’s youth academy before eventually establishing himself as one of the top left backs in the English top flight at Newcastle.
A potential move to Manchester United could also appeal to Hall, given that the Red Devils will be playing European football next season and have built a competitive squad in recent years.
The full back role at Old Trafford has room for improvement, and Hall is widely regarded as more than capable of stepping into the starting eleven and taking on from Luke Shaw.
However, with United yet to make a formal move, it remains to be seen how long Hall will wait before deciding between a return to his former club or a switch to the north west.
Chelsea will be hoping to act quickly and end the uncertainty, with the start of the Premier League season now just weeks away and a quality left back urgently needed.