Manchester United are prepared to abandon their interest in Lewis Hall, with plans in place to move instead for one of his Newcastle team-mates.
A relatively busy summer transfer window has come and gone at Old Trafford, with an effective midfield overhaul now in place.
Question marks continue to hang over Michael Carrick’s back four, though. Left back is seen as a particular area of concern, with Luke Shaw lacking a genuine backup ahead of a season in which the club will compete on four fronts.
United were known to be interested in Hall, the Newcastle and England full-back, throughout the summer, but never lodged a formal bid as the Magpies insisted he was untouchable.
Reports on Tyneside also suggest Hall is in line for a two-year contract extension as Matthias Jaissle looks to tie him down to St James' Park.
As such, United have reportedly turned their attention to one of Hall’s team-mates, Malick Thiaw, as a potential target.
Thiaw, 25, only joined Newcastle from AC Milan last summer and impressed in his debut campaign for the club. He is able to play as both a centre-back and a right-back.
It remains to be seen whether the Magpies could be convinced to sell the player, though. He is only in the second year of a long-term contract, and has worn the captain’s armband in the opening matches of the season with Dan Burn injured.
Per reports from Caught Offside, Newcastle could demand as much as £70m for the German’s services, with Liverpool also said to be keen on a deal.
United are beginning to flesh out a shortlist, though, amid the broad expectation they will push to add a left-back to Carrick’s ranks either in January or next summer.
Reports in Germany claim they are also monitoring Daniel Svensson of Borussia Dortmund.
