INEOS finds another option for Lewis Hall as Man Utd learns their top choice is ‘off-limits’
Manchester United have reportedly found a backup plan to strengthen their left-back spot this summer after being told Lewis Hall is off-limits at Newcastle.
The club has been keeping an eye on Hall all summer, with reports in June saying the 21-year-old was one of their top targets. Michael Carrick’s team needs a new left-back to challenge Luke Shaw and offer more options, especially after Tyrell Malacia left the club on a free transfer.
Although Hall is said to be very interested in moving to Old Trafford, Newcastle have set a very high price, making a deal tough. Meanwhile, Newcastle have recently sold Sandro Tonali to Tottenham and are still talking with Arsenal about possibly selling their captain, Bruno Guimaraes.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United have been told not to chase Hall because Newcastle consider him untouchable. This has pushed the club’s co-owners, INEOS, who handle football decisions, to look for other options – and now they have a backup plan.
Spanish outlet SPORT reports that United are serious about signing young left-back Jorge Salinas from Racing Santander. The 19-year-old played 33 games last season in Spain’s second division and made seven assists. He also starred for Spain’s U19 team this summer, helping them win the European Championship by beating Germany 2-0 in the final.
United watched Salinas during the tournament and were impressed by his performances. They think he’s ready to join the first team straight away and compete for a spot alongside Luke Shaw. With United playing in the Champions League and hoping for longer runs in the domestic cups, having more options is important.
Salinas can also play as a centre-back, giving the team even more flexibility. His release clause is around €16 million (about £13.7m).
Under INEOS, United are focusing more on signing young talent, like the recent £48 million deal for 22-year-old midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea. But they’re also bringing in experience, signing 29-year-old Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35 million and picking up goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer after he left Leeds.
Now, Darlow will join the senior goalkeeper group with Senne Lammens and the veteran Tom Heaton, strengthening that area too as United prepare for the new season.