Manchester United are now considering a move for Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall as an alternative to midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to reports. The shift in focus comes after the club’s owners, INEOS, deemed the overall cost of acquiring Tonali, valued at around £100 million by Newcastle, to be ‘really expensive’ due to significant agent fees and salary expectations.
United are planning substantial investment in midfield this summer, but with needs also at left-back and left wing, their budget is not unlimited. Atalanta’s Ederson is expected to be the first central midfield addition, leaving space for potentially two more signings. While Tonali was reportedly manager Michael Carrick’s top choice, the financial implications are proving a major obstacle.
Reporter Ben Jacobs initially flagged the possibility of a move for Hall on social media, stating it was ‘one to watch’. The Athletic subsequently provided further detail, confirming United are assessing the 21-year-old as a potential option at left-back. Hall joined Newcastle in 2023, and while he has established himself under Eddie Howe, his position in the team is not entirely secure.
Newcastle are not actively seeking to sell Hall, but are anticipating a significant reshaping of their squad this summer. Anthony Gordon’s recent €80 million transfer to Barcelona has eased some financial pressure, but further sales haven't been ruled out to fund incoming transfers. Any deal for Hall is expected to be valued at over £50 million. The potential move is further complicated by Christopher Vivell, Manchester United’s director of recruitment, having previously worked with Hall at Chelsea.
