Technical director Jason Wilcox is prioritising youth and Premier League experience, identifying Newcastle’s rising star Lewis Hall as a possible solution to stabilise Manchester United’s injury-plagued left-back position for the future.
It’s well known that, alongside efforts to strengthen midfield, Manchester United are also targeting reinforcements on the left side.
A major factor behind this is the uncertainty at left-back. Luke Shaw has remained available for much of the season, but there are clear signs that his past injury issues have led to a gradual physical decline.
The club also have Harry Amass on their books, who has spent the season on loan in the Championship, however suffered a long-term injury with Norwich City early this year which curtailed his brilliant progress while with SHeffield prior to the January switch.
While there are no immediate rumours linking Luke Shaw with an exit this summer, the club are assessing the summer market for a possible move for competition in the position.
Sources: Wilcox eyeing Newcastle's Hall
Roundtable understands that United hold an interest in Newcastle star Lewis Hall amid their search to find left-sided reinforcements this summer.
Sources have said that United technical director Jason Wilcox is a huge admirer of the England international and has brought him up prominently during recruitment meetings this year.
As for United's possible route to signing him, any move for Hall would depend heavily on his transfer fee and whether the player is open to a switch from Newcastle to Manchester, which is yet to be determined.
Sources state that Newcastle have no intention of letting the 21-year-old leave this summer, and are planning to offer him a new contract.
However, Hall features highly on United's list of possible left-back targets, and fits the club's mould of wanting Premier League-proven stars this summer.
United need present and future
United's new policy of buying Premier League-ready players is one that will serve them well. The great performances of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this campaign have proved that.
But, while signing players between the ages of 25-27 is great short-term improvement with respect to squad building, it must be accompanied by singing younger players who can then bleed themselves into the side.
Alongside Hall, The Telegraph have reported that United are also interested in signing West Ham's 21-year-old midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
With the East London club currently sat in the relegation zone, heading to the Championship would very much see the young Portuguese star become hot property on the transfer market.
Signing the likes of Hall and Fernandes while continuing to target more experienced Premier League names would be the perfect blend, allowing United to focus not just on the present but on the future, too.