Manchester United are confident of signing Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall next summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
United have been looking to sign the 21-year-old this summer to provide competition for Luke Shaw, but Newcastle insist that he is not for sale.
The England international is now in talks with the Magpies over a new contract, ending any hopes of United signing him during the current transfer window.
Jacobs, speaking to The United Stand, claims the Red Devils are optimistic about signing Hall, even if he extends his current contract, as the defender is convinced about joining the club.
“The signs from the [Lewis] Hall camp are he sees a very strong fit at Manchester United.
“This is where Manchester United have got confidence, as they did with Carlos Baleba 12 months ago, that if they can’t move now, if they do choose to move in a year, and even if Hall signs a new deal first, the player has that buy-in.”
The Mancunian giants had also attempted to sign Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer but were priced out of a move. They eventually secured his services in a £70 million deal this month.
As it stands, United are increasingly unlikely to sign a left full-back before the transfer deadline.
Shaw is expected to remain their first-choice left-back, with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui providing cover for the 31-year-old.
Meanwhile, Jacobs says United are exploring the market for a centre-back. Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been ‘discussed internally’, while Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo has also been offered to them.
They could also sign a new striker to replace Joshua Zirkzee, who could now join Italian side Fiorentina.
