Manchester United believes there is a chance to sign Hall for £60 million and has already made contact with Newcastle! One alternative candidate costs only £14 million.

According to British media, Manchester United is planning to open talks with Newcastle United regarding the transfer of 21-year-old left-back Lewis Hall. Since the start of the summer transfer window, United has been linked with Hall, and speculation has grown stronger in the past week, particularly after Eddie Howe's sudden resignation.

Luke Shaw is the only genuine left-back in Manchester United's first team, and the club plans to sign reinforcements. Tyrell Malacia has left after his contract expired, and Patrick Dorgu has been playing as a left winger under Carrick, including in the first three pre-season matches, and has never played as a left-back.

Last week, Eddie Howe, who had been in charge for five years, resigned, and new manager Matthias Jaissle has taken over. It is reported that Hall has become unsettled and unhappy at Newcastle, making this summer a prime opportunity for Manchester United to sign him.

Manchester United sources have revealed that Hall's name is frequently mentioned in internal club meetings, as football director Jason Wilcox is a big fan. United has contacted the player's agent and knows he is willing to join; they are now planning to negotiate with Newcastle.

Club reporters like Andy Mitten also insist that Hall personally wants to sign for Manchester United. United may make room for Hall by selling 19-year-old Harry Amass and raising some transfer funds. Ratcliffe's Ineos team is considering an initial bid of £50 million plus add-ons, totaling £60 million.

However, even with both United and Hall interested, convincing Newcastle to sell remains the most challenging part. The Magpies have already earned £170 million by selling Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham. Bruno Guimarães is likely to join Arsenal in the coming days, which could bring in another £90 million.

Having raked in £260 million, Newcastle no longer has to worry about any financial fair play issues. However, United sources still believe that if Newcastle receives a substantial offer of around £60 million, they might be willing to do the deal. Although the new manager is trying to persuade Hall to stay, if Hall reiterates his desire to leave, Newcastle may grant his wish as long as the price is right.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: "There are many questions about Hall and Manchester United. I told you all in June, and I stand by my opinion. United really appreciate Hall and see him as an ideal signing target. So, Hall is definitely on United's list, and he is also a player recognized internally. However, from what I understand, Newcastle will make it difficult for them; Newcastle do not want to sell Hall."

Romano did not comment on whether £60 million would be enough to convince Newcastle to sell Hall. He simply emphasized: "Newcastle have already made a lot of money from sales. So, they want to keep Hall, they don't want to sell him. That's their intention, that's their message. So, if you ask me, does United see him as a primary target? Yes. Are United in contact with relevant parties to find out about Lewis Hall's situation? Yes, of course. But there is still the Newcastle hurdle, so before we say United will go all out, we need to understand Newcastle's position and situation."

He concluded: "This will certainly be a story to watch, because Manchester United have not stopped working in the transfer market. That is clear. They completed signings in June and July, but they haven't stopped there, and now it's August."

Information from Newcastle's side is that they insist Hall is not for sale, so it will be very difficult for United to get him. The situation is similar for an alternative target, Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs said: "Skelly has been on Manchester United's list for quite a long time. I think Hall is ranked higher, but both deals are very difficult. At the start of last season, Skelly couldn't get many playing opportunities, but he eventually played as a midfield starter in the Champions League final, so Arsenal are not worried about that situation. United do appreciate him, but it depends on Arsenal's situation changing. As for Hall, United are considering a move for him, but Newcastle don't want to sell him, so the asking price is high."

In terms of a cheaper left-back option, Jorge Salinas, who has been linked with Manchester United since last week, would be quite suitable. Spanish newspaper Sport claims that this 19-year-old Racing Santander youngster is also a target for Barcelona, with a release clause of just €16 million (£14 million). However, Spanish media report that Salinas prefers to join Barcelona. But the La Liga champions' pursuit of Salinas has stalled in recent weeks.

Although Salinas is young, Manchester United's management believes he can immediately join the first team and compete with Luke Shaw. Salinas' contract with Racing Santander runs until 2029. He made his debut in 2024 and has since made 37 appearances in all competitions for the club, contributing 7 assists. United has been closely scouting Salinas, particularly impressed by his performances in the European Under-19 Championship this summer, which Spain won.