Manchester United are preparing a formal bid to sign Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall before the summer transfer window slams shut.
The move comes after a dismal season opener that saw Michael Carrick’s side suffer a humbling defeat away at newly-promoted Hull City.
United had entered the new campaign with considerable optimism, with many supporters expecting Carrick to build on his promising interim stint at the club.
Hull’s victory brought those ambitions crashing back to earth and sent a sharp reminder to INEOS that further reinforcements are urgently needed.
As reported by TeamTalk, United are now readying a formal offer for Hall to test Newcastle’s resolve in the final week of the window.
Hall has been keen on a move to Old Trafford for most of the summer, making the prospect of a deal appear increasingly likely as the deadline approaches.
Newcastle, however, are expected to demand a record fee for a left-back, with reports suggesting any offer must exceed £68m to be taken seriously.
That figure would surpass the fee Bayern Munich paid Real Madrid for Lucas Hernandez back in July 2019, setting a new benchmark for the position.
The problem for United is that their anticipated offer is unlikely to reach the £70m threshold Newcastle are demanding for a player dubbed “outstanding” by former manager Eddie Howe.
The Magpies have already lost Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimares and Anthony Gordon this summer, making them reluctant to sanction another high-profile departure.
Newcastle’s resolve has been tested repeatedly throughout recent transfer windows, and history suggests they do not always retain the upper hand when top clubs come calling.
United’s need for a left-back has been one of the defining storylines of their summer rebuild, with INEOS identifying a long-term successor to Luke Shaw as a key priority.
Hall has consistently topped their shortlist of candidates, with other names including Myles Lewis-Skelly and Alejandro Balde considered less likely outcomes at this stage.
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is also reportedly closing in on an Old Trafford move worth as much as £70m, with a deal said to be agreed as United overhaul their midfield.
If United can secure both Baleba and Hall before the window closes, Carrick will have received the tools he needs to mount a much more credible challenge going forward.