Lewis Hall Remains Manchester United's Top Left-Back Target
Manchester United’s search for a new left-back has a clear frontrunner – and it isn’t Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Club chiefs remain locked on to Newcastle defender Lewis Hall as their primary target on the left side of defence, despite being offered highly rated teenager Lewis-Skelly as part of Arsenal’s own summer reshuffle.
Hall, 21, has not only drawn the most serious interest from Old Trafford, he is also understood to be open – even eager – to make the switch from St James’ Park to Manchester. His willingness comes after a chaotic summer on Tyneside, where Newcastle have already seen manager Eddie Howe depart along with key figures Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
Newcastle’s hierarchy, now under Matthias Jaissle, are desperate to draw a line under the exodus and have made it clear they do not want to lose Hall as well. United, though, have explored the terms of a possible deal and are pushing for depth at left-back with Champions League football returning and four competitions on the horizon.
Hall’s frustrations are believed to stretch back to tactical decisions under Howe, which he feels played a part in him missing out on England’s 2026 World Cup squad. That disappointment has only sharpened his appetite for a fresh start at Old Trafford.
Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly enters the frame
While Hall remains the priority, Arsenal have moved to place Myles Lewis-Skelly on the market as they look to claw back some of the outlay on Bruno Guimaraes.
The Guardian reports that Manchester United and Chelsea have both been informed of the 19-year-old’s availability, with his valuation thought to sit around £45million.
For United, Lewis-Skelly is viewed as an alternative option rather than the main prize. The club’s recruitment team continue to treat Hall as their first-choice left-back signing, but the Arsenal youngster offers another avenue if negotiations with Newcastle become impossible.
United and Barcelona circle Racing Santander star
On the continent, Manchester United face a straight financial test if they want to beat Barcelona to Racing Santander left-back Jorge Salinas.
Racing sporting director Chema Aragon has already revealed that a bid in excess of £12m was rejected, confirming that only the 19-year-old’s €16m release clause will be enough to force a sale.
“A club has offered €14m for Jorge Salinas, and Racing have rejected it. His release clause is €16 million, and the club will not budge from that figure,” Aragon said.
Salinas is tied down until 2029 after helping Racing win promotion to La Liga last season. United know exactly what it would take to land him. The question is whether they push that button if the Hall pursuit stalls.
