NEWCASTLE. Lewis Hall has indicated his willingness to consider a summer move to Manchester United following a season of personal frustration at Newcastle United, with the left back understood to be aggrieved at missing out on England’s World Cup squad.
The 21 year old, who was widely expected to feature in Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the tournament, was overlooked after a spell of reduced involvement during the Magpies’ run in. According to reports, Hall privately blames Eddie Howe for his omission, believing that being deployed out of position and starting matches on the bench in the final weeks of the campaign cost him his place on the plane .
Hall was substituted at half time during the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth in April and began the subsequent fixtures against Arsenal and Brighton on the bench . He was also switched to right back for the penultimate game of the season, a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, further complicating his case for selection . Tino Livramento, who was preferred at right back during that period, ultimately earned a place in Tuchel’s squad, while the right footed Djed Spence was selected as cover on the left flank .
Champions League pull
Newcastle’s disappointing 12th place finish has compounded Hall’s dissatisfaction, with the full back keen to play Champions League football next season, a prospect United can offer . United view Hall as the ideal long term successor to Luke Shaw, whose persistent fitness issues and contract situation, which runs until 2027, have prompted the club to seek a younger alternative .
Newcastle value Hall at around £60 million, with the defender under contract at St James’ Park until 2029 . The Magpies have already sanctioned the departure of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona this summer and are determined not to repeat the mistakes of last year, when Alexander Isak was sold late in the window after a protracted saga .
Newcastle dismiss rift claims
Newcastle sources have strongly denied suggestions of a falling out between Hall and Howe. The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards reported that Hall is “extremely grateful” for the work Howe has done to develop him into an England international, and noted that the pair share the same agent . ChronicleLive were told their relationship remains “very good” and that Hall has not submitted a transfer request .
Gary Lineker, however, has voiced frustration at Hall’s exclusion, describing the Newcastle defender as England’s best left back. “Did he see Lewis Hall against Lamine Yamal? He didn’t give him a kick,” Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast . Hall had impressed in Newcastle’s Champions League last 16 draw with Barcelona, keeping the Spanish winger quiet.
While United’s interest is genuine and Hall is understood to be open to the move , Newcastle are determined to retain their prized asset. The club’s hierarchy are aware of the interest from Old Trafford but have insisted no approach or bid has been received . With pre season training set to begin on 13 July, the situation is likely to remain a prominent feature of the summer window.
Reporting by Azuka; Editing by Betandsured team
