Man United identify 'ideal signing' after Lewis Hall twist

Manchester United have identified Club Brugge full-back Joaquin Seys as their "ideal" target in the closing stages of the transfer window.

The 21-year-old, who can play on both sides of the defence, impressed for Belgium at the World Cup and has emerged as a target for multilpe top clubs across Europe.

Michael Carrick is aiming to strengthen at left-back this summer, but with Luke Shaw currently the first choice, there is a feeling a younger option will be prioritised.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the recruitment team have been keeping a close eye on Seys and have been impressed by what they've seen.

The Belgium international would come in as an understudy for Shaw, before taking over the position long-term as Man United aim to prepare for the future.

This comes amid ongoing links with a move for Newcastle United star Lewis Hall, although any move for the England man currently looks unlikely given the finances involved.

Could Man United make a move for Joaquin Seys?

Football Insider first revealed in April that Man United are aiming to sign a new left-back as one of their priorities given uncertainties about Shaw's long-term future.

However, Shaw is set to start the new season as the first-choice left-back under Carrick following some impressive displays following the boss' arrival earlier this year.

Instead, Man United are targeting a younger left-back and believe Seys could be the ideal candidate to rotate with Shaw and gain some experience at the top level.

"I must admit, I don't know an awful lot about him, but I have heard his name mentioned," Brown told Football Insider.

"Man United have been keeping a close eye on him and doing thier homework, so they'll know all they need to know about him, the pros, the cons, everything.

"It's clear he's a talented player, he went to the World Cup with Belgium and he's been playing out in Belgium for a while now.

"It's a market Man United have done good work in before, so that's a plus point, and it seems to be like their best option is to bring in a younger left-back as part of a long-term plan.

"Luke Shaw is the first-choice left-back under Carrick, he played almost every game last season and was very impressive.

"It's going to be hard to get him out of the team at the moment, and bringing in somebody like Lewis Hall could prove more complicated than it needs to be.

"Instead, they can go after Seys, bring him in for the long-term future and let him grow and develop as a backup for Shaw until he is ready to take over on a more regular basis.

"That would be the ideal signing for everybody involved, it avoids too many issues within the squad and sets the club up long-term as well."

What is the latest on Lewis Hall to Man United?

Hall has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, with a number of his Newcastle United teammates already having been lured away to rival clubs.

Man United remain very fond of the England international, but it looks like any deal will be complicated, with the Magpies extremely reluctant to lose another star player.

Brown first told Football Insider in March that Newcastle would look to block offers for Hall this summer, as his performances have made him a key part of their plans.

Interest from Carrick's side has emerged in recent weeks, and they have been keen to explore the possbility, but Newcastle's stance will make any deal hard to do.

Not only would it take a huge fee in a position where Man United are not desperate to improve, but his arrival could cause issues in terms of the pecking order.