Manchester United are prepared to make their opening move for Lewis Hall as the Red Devils seek to exploit the chaos unfolding at St James’ Park, according to the latest report.
Mass Exodus
After the highs of the 2024/25 campaign for Newcastle United – which saw the North East club win their first trophy in 70 years after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the final of the Carabao Cup – the following twelve months have been the opposite.
The Magpies have lost a host of key players over the past year, including Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali. The fact that two of these joined direct rivals has only sharpened the mood on Tyneside – as this morning’s bombshell proves.
Despite having spent over £100 million on four new signings, Eddie Howe resigned as manager, bringing an end to his five years at the club. One of the key reasons is understood to be departures, with a belief that captain Bruno Guimaraes will be allowed to join Arsenal this summer.
Interestingly, Guimaraes is understood to have been a target at Old Trafford heading into the summer window. Casemiro was adamant his compatriot would have been an ideal candidate to take the reins from him at the base of Manchester United’s midfield.
The world of professional football is a brutal one; a zero-sum game where your competitors’ loss is your potential gain. Smelling an opportunity to launch their own raid on a weakened rival, INEOS are ramping up their interest in Hall, hoping to succeed where Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have before them.
United ready to strike
TEAMtalk reveals the Red Devils are “preparing an opening move” for Hall as a new left-back is considered one of the club’s “top priorities” this summer.
The 21-year-old England international is said to be the “first-choice target”, with sporting director Jason Wilcox the “driving force behind United’s interest, having long admired Hall’s ability to operate as both a traditional full-back and an inverted defender.”
The “timing [of Howe’s departure] is seen as significant”, given the 48-year-old coach was desperate to keep his left-back. The pair are understood to share the same agent as well, further simplifying matters now Howe has left.
The Old Trafford hierarchy are still mindful “negotiations will not be straightforward”, but they are “prepared to make a concerted effort”. Competition for Luke Shaw is seen as crucial, with Patrick Dorgu expected to remain in his new role as a left-winger under Michael Carrick.
Hall is valued at around £60 million, which would make him one of the most expensive full-backs in history. The fact that the former Chelsea star is “keen on the prospect of a move” to M16 will undoubtedly help in negotiations, however.
Final Thoughts: The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 7/10
Why?
Manchester United’s interest in Hall has been backed up by multiple independent outlets.
The player is known to want a switch to Old Trafford, making it very likely INEOS will target him.
The departure of Eddie Howe removes a significant obstacle to a pursuit.
No official confirmation of a move yet.
TEAMtalk is not the most reliable source for Man United updates.
TPP view: We believe Manchester United are stepping up their interest in Hall, but would advise waiting for corroboration from a more reliable source first.
Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images
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