20 Aug 2026 18:02 BST |
4 min read
Make us your Google favourite
Manchester United look set to miss out on two of their top transfer targets this summer after crucial developments that will force Michael Carrick to look elsewhere for a left-sided defender.
United are hoping to sign a left-back before the transfer window closes on 1 September after making progress on adding a new midfielder, with talks ongoing for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Lewis Hall is understood to be United’s ideal defensive target but Newcastle are adamant that they will not part ways with the 21-year-old, having already sold a number of key players this summer.
There is a belief at Old Trafford that Hall is keen to make the move to United but transfer reporter Ben Jacobs believes a deal would cost in excess of £75 million (€87m), with Newcastle also in talks over a new contract for the England international.
“If Man Utd today agreed a club-to-club fee with Newcastle, Hall would want the move and United would do a deal,” Jacobs told The United Stand.
“What I understand has happened in recent days is Matthias Jaissle has had a direct meeting with Hall to discuss his future, and has told Hall the club don’t intend to engage with any offers and that they want to offer him improved terms. So that will likely develop more after the window, because usually you don’t negotiate in these final days.”
Man Utd looking at other targets asHall and Lewis-Skelly deals ruled out
With Hall seemingly out of the picture, another target that has been linked to United has been Myles Lewis-Skelly, with the 19-year-old allegedly being offered to multiple clubs during the summer as Arsenal look to raise funds to make new signings.
However, Lewis-Skelly has been a regular feature under Mikel Arteta during pre-season and the youngster himself as been determined to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place.
United hadn’t pursued a deal for Lewis-Skelly but it appears a move would not be welcome by Arsenal either, with Arteta confirming that he has no plans to sell his young star.
When asked whether he is confident that Lewis-Skelly will stay at Arsenal beyond the summer, Arteta replied: “100 percent.”
United will now look towards other options to solve their left-back issue, having been offered the likes of Jorge Salnias and David Raum in recent days.
Related stories:
Transfer Rumours: Chelsea spark outrage as Jules Kounde meeting revealed
Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: €20m Rodri gap, ‘easy’ Arsenal target, Villa agreement
Premier League summer transfers 2026: All the Done Deals
