Man Utd transfer news: Reds set to ditch Hall interest for Newcastle teammate

Manchester United are set to abandon their interest in Lewis Hall who appears to have lost his chance to join the Reds who are now focusing on a Newcastle teammate.

The summer transfer window has come and gone at Old Trafford, with a midfield overhaul now in place but there are many gaps still in the squad.

And question marks remain over Michael Carrick’s back four.

Left-back is seen as a particular area of concern, with Luke Shaw lacking genuine competition or cover ahead of a season in which United will compete on four fronts.

United were known to be interested in Hall, the Newcastle and England full-back, throughout the summer but never lodged a formal bid after the Magpies made it clear he was not for sale.

Reports on Tyneside also suggest Hall is in line for a two-year contract extension as Matthias Jaissle looks to tie him down to St James’ Park.

As a result, United have reportedly turned their attention to one of Hall’s team-mates, Malick Thiaw, as a potential alternative.

Thiaw, 25, only joined Newcastle from AC Milan last summer but impressed during his debut campaign. The German is capable of playing both centre-back and right-back, offering United some much-needed versatility in defence.

It remains to be seen whether Newcastle could be convinced to sell, however. Thiaw is only in the second year of a long-term contract and has worn the captain’s armband in the opening matches of the season with Dan Burn injured.

Newcastle could demand as much as £70million for the German, with Liverpool also said to be interested.

United are beginning to flesh out their defensive shortlist amid growing expectations that they will look to add a left-back to Carrick’s squad either in January or next summer.

Reports in Germany claim they are also monitoring Daniel Svensson of Borussia Dortmund.