Manchester United have suffered a major setback in their pursuit of Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall.
According to The i Paper, Newcastle consider Hall “untouchable” and are adamant that they will not allow Lewis Hall to leave this summer.
Man United were planning to start talks with the Magpies over the 21-year-old this week.
Earlier reports suggested that an offer in the region of £50 million could tempt Newcastle into negotiations.
Every player has a price
Despite their public stance, Newcastle are far from operating from a position of strength.
The Magpies have already sanctioned the lucrative sales of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon during the current transfer window.
Although those deals have strengthened the club financially, they are still on the verge of losing club captain Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal.
The unexpected departure of Eddie Howe after five years has only increased the sense of uncertainty surrounding the club. It is clear that the ship is sinking.
Hall is one of the brightest young full-backs in Europe and looks capable of developing into a genuine world-class player. That is exactly why United should refuse to walk away from the deal too easily.
We believe INEOS must table an offer of around £60m-£65m to force Newcastle into selling their starlet.
Personal terms are unlikely to become a major obstacle, with reports suggesting Hall is open to beginning a new chapter elsewhere.
Newcastle may insist the defender is untouchable, but every player has a price, and United should do everything possible to bring Hall to Old Trafford during these turbulent times.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
