Man Utd target 'aggressive Spanish full-back' four times cheaper than Lewis Hall

Manchester United are targeting an aggressive full-back in Jorge Salinas who would be a quarter of Lewis Hall's price tag.

Hall has been on United's radar all summer, but with Newcastle reluctant to sell and a deal likely to cost more than £60 million the focus has has moved elsewhere.

Salinas has moved firmly onto the club's shortlist, with United prepared to trigger the 19-year-old's €16 million (£13.7m) release clause if a deal for Hall cannot be agreed.

The Racing Santander player is very highly rated in Spain where he has been dubbed the 'new Sergio Ramos' for his robust style of play and he is versatile - playing at centre half as well as left back.

Barcelona are pushing to sign the Spain Under-19 international, although the Catalan giants are understood to be reluctant to meet Racing's full asking price.

Salinas enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Racing Santander last season, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young full-backs in Spanish football.

The teenager contributed six assists in 33 league appearances as Racing secured promotion, earning widespread praise for his attacking intent and maturity despite his age.

His performances continued at international level, where he impressed for Spain during the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

Those displays reportedly caught the attention of United's scouts, who believe Salinas has the attributes to make the step up to Premier League football.

Standing out for his work-rate and technique, Salinas is an attack-minded left-back who enjoys getting forward.

He is comfortable carrying the ball out from defence, combines well in tight areas and delivers dangerous crosses into the penalty area.

His ability to join attacks has made him one of Spain's most highly-rated young defenders, while his pace allows him to recover quickly when possession is lost.

Despite his attacking instincts, scouts have also praised his tactical intelligence and decision-making, suggesting he has the foundations to develop into a complete modern full-back.

On top of this he is physically imposing and strong in the tackle which suggests he would be well suited to the Premier League.

United's interest in Salinas appears to depend largely on what happens with Hall.

Currently Hall remains the club's preferred target, but Newcastle's determination to keep the England international has forced United to identify alternative options.

Salinas fits the profile INEOS have prioritised since taking control of football operations: young, technically gifted and with significant room for development.

At just 19, Salinas would also represent a considerably cheaper investment than Hall, with his €16m release clause making him one of the most attractive value-for-money options on the market.

United may still have work to do if they decide to press ahead and sign him as Barcelona have been following Salinas for several months.

Interestingly he isn't a typical Barca player as he is more physical and likes to play a more direct attacking style to the usual slow build up from the Catalan side.

And Racing have insisted they will not negotiate below the defender's release clause.

Righter now the player is enjoying Racing promotion to the top flight. He told Spanish media: “Achieving this promotion is indescribable, it’s a dream come true. It’s a day I dreamed of since I was a child.

"I watched Racing come so close for so many years, and it’s a dream come true for me to experience it as a player."