Man Utd news: Lewis Hall transfer stance clear as defender ‘in talks’ over future

Manchester United are working on strengthening their squad in the final stretch of the summer transfer window. Manager Michael Carrick has already welcomed several new players but will know more recruits are needed after his side’s defeat at the weekend.

Both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos started in midfield as the club endured a 2-0 defeat to Hull City . The new signings are set to face fresh competition for their place after United agreed a fee with Brighton for Carlos Baleba.

In defence, Carrick’s side are searching for a left-back to provide competition with Luke Shaw . United have been linked with a move for Newcastle ’s Lewis Hall, with his manager making his thoughts clear about the potential move.

Meanwhile, Barcelona ’s Alejandro Balde has emerged as an alternative left-back target . Here, Mirror Football looks at some of the biggest stories surrounding United.

Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle has seemingly ruled out the possibility of Lewis Hall heading to Old Trafford this summer. United have been heavily linked with Hall following the 21-year-old’s impressive displays for the Magpies.

Legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel brought up the transfer speculation around Hall when meeting Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle. While working as a pundit for Viaplay during Newcastle's 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Schmeichel said to Jaissle after the match: "We're [ Manchester United ] after your left-back."

However, newly-appointed Newcastle boss Jaissle delivered a clear response: "No chance! No chance!" The German coach appeared emphatic that Hall is not set to join Carrick’s side.

Hall played against Liverpool on Sunday and earned praise for his performance before conceding a crucial penalty that denied Newcastle the win. The Magpies have already sold key players during the transfer window, with Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes completing high-profile moves away.

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Barcelona boss Hansi Flick was reportedly set for talks with Balde on Monday following reports questioning the defender’s future at the club. The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to United and was left out of Barcelona’s matchday squad against Elche on Sunday.

Spanish publication Sport reported that Flick and Balde were scheduled to have a “face-to -face meeting” on Monday after the full-back was dropped for the 5-0 win over Elche. It is claimed that the talks could “open the door” for the defender to leave the Catalan club if the situation cannot be resolved.

The report claims that Flick is willing to keep Balde but wants the player to be determined to force his way back into the team. Meanwhile, Barcelona already have Joao Cancelo, Xavi Espart and Gerard Martin as possible left-back options, if Balde were to leave the Camp Nou.

When asked about his decision to leave the defender out, Flick said: "I spoke with Alejandro Balde today and said to him that I think you're not here 100%, so it's best that you stay at home and clear your mind.