Newcastle: Lewis Hall’s future may rest in Man United’s hands as offer could spark Barcelona transfer chain
Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall could inadvertently have his fate decided by Manchester United in this summer’s transfer window.
The Magpies starlet has been named as part of Barcelona’s shortlist of targets to strengthen their defence for next season, with club chiefs said to have been impressed with his displays in the clubs’ recent Champions League clashes.
The 21-year-old is one of several players in Eddie Howe’s squad who are now facing an uncertain future ahead of next season, and that is providing plenty of cause for concern at St James’ Park.
Hall has been a key performer on Tyneside this season, and his efforts in the black and white have seen him rewarded with an England call-up in the final international break before the World Cup.
Newcastle’s transfer plans do not involve the idea of losing any of their key stars this summer, but Hall’s future may rest in Manchester United’s hands, with a transfer merry-go-round potentially set to form.
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VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUBAlejandro Balde sale may hold key to Lewis Hall move
Barcelona’s financial situation is once again causing problems when it comes to their ambitions for next season, as they need to raise funds in order to make the improvements that they desire.
With that in mind, sales are set to be needed at the Camp Nou in the early stages of the summer, in order for targets like Hall to be pursued in the second half of the window.
| Stats | Hall Total |
| Apps | 24 |
| G/A | 2 |
| Chances Created | 20 |
| Pass Accuracy | 85.2% |
| Duels Won | 57% |
| Successful Dribbles | 34 |
Man United are now prepared to take that opportunity, as they are keen to strike a deal for Alejandro Balde, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
The Red Devils are understood to be willing to make an offer for the left-back if they secure Champions League qualification for next season, and they are currently said to be leading the pursuit alongside Liverpool.
Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for their academy graduate in order to secure a pure-profit sale, and they are prepared to sell him if a deal becomes available which suits all parties.
News of United’s interest is sure to spark concern from Newcastle, as a move for Balde would heighten Barcelona’s need for a new left-back even further, while also providing them with money to spend.
With that in mind, it could effectively be United’s pursuit that decides whether or not Barcelona step up their interest in Hall, as it could spark a chain of transfers ending with the defender at the Camp Nou.
Newcastle to tweak transfer plan if Hall departs
Football Insider revealed back in February that Newcastle will prioritise signing a new left-back in the upcoming window in order to provide cover and competition for Hall.
The North East outfit are hoping to add further protection for the youngster, while Dan Burn is not seen as a long-term option to serve as his understudy.
However, if Hall departs St James’ this summer, then Newcastle will be left with no choice but to tweak their transfer plan slightly.
They would surely then have to target the addition of a high-quality option to be a regular in the left-back slot, while potentially still trying to bring in the understudy that they were hoping for.
Newcastle have big plans to propel themselves back towards the European places with their next round of business, but any exit for Hall would require a major rethink.
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