Newcastle United are adamant they will not allow Lewis Hall to leave this summer, with the club regarding the left-back as untouchable despite interest from Manchester United.
In a turbulent summer in which the Magpies have brokered big sales, seen long-serving manager Eddie Howe resign and could yet lose captain Bruno Guimaraes, there have been fears that other players could go as part of a hard reset at St James’ Park.
Manchester United are in the market for a full-back as well as another midfielder this summer, with sources indicating to The i Paper that they were planning to start talks with Newcastle this week over Hall’s capture.
He shares an agent with Howe and insiders insist the full-back is keen to move to Old Trafford.
But the England international is “unequivocally not for sale” this summer and has been earmarked for a vital role in new boss Matthias Jaissle’s plans.
His age profile, potential, contractual status and experience mean he is regarded as crucial to Newcastle’s future.
Manchester United are also aware that it will be very difficult to get a deal done, and have earmarked other candidates for the position, where providing weary Luke Shaw some competition is essential.
The versatile Myles Lewis-Skelly is one option they have looked at, sources added, with Arsenal potentially open to a sale.
The next priority at St James’ Park is to bring in full-backs to support Hall and Tino Livramento, who is also set to stay at Newcastle this summer.
While many will view their not-for-sale stance as a familiar story, there are key differences with Hall.
The plan had always been to sell Anthony Gordon early in the transfer window given Newcastle’s need to comply with Uefa’s financial fair play rules.
Sandro Tonali, having expressed a desire to explore new opportunities in the spring, was also always going to leave – and Newcastle felt they “overindexed” on the fees they received for both.
While the Magpies do not want to lose Guimaraes, there is some cold, hard logic that the two clubs are now in negotiations over a fee.
His age of 28 means he is at the peak of his value and Newcastle are in a rebuild stage under a new manager.
But sources insist there is no flexibility on Hall, whose age and potential mean that – like Lewis Miley, who agreed a new contract at the start of the close season – he is regarded as untouchable by Newcastle’s hierarchy.
He is also not actively agitating for a move away from Newcastle, having played in both the summer curtain-raiser at Gateshead and a full 90 minutes in the defeat at Bristol City, which turned out to be Howe’s last game in charge.
Michael Carrick had wanted to make Hall a priority, but Newcastle’s strong stance may force them to refocus on their hunt for a midfielder.
Nothing is advancing in their search for another marquee name, with funds restricted as a result of their inability to make much from player sales.
Mason Mount’s performances in pre-season have lessened the need for a desperate pursuit, sources indicated.
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Should Mount stay fit, he is seen as a strong midfield option, alongside Andrey Santos.
Kobbie Mainoo is also set to return to pre-season training next week and must prove his fitness after a World Cup campaign in which he did not play a single minute for England.
Manchester United are prepared to go late into the window to wait for the right signing in order to avoid long, drawn-out sagas that ultimately result in them overpaying.
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