Manchester United are reportedly facing a massive hurdle in their last-ditch attempt to sign Newcastle United's Lewis Hall, with the defender's price tag exceeding £75 million, making a deadline-day transfer highly unlikely.
Hall has been United's top choice at left-back throughout the summer as manager Michael Carrick seeks a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw. However, Newcastle United has consistently rebuffed United's advances, and with the transfer window closing soon, they would only consider selling for an astronomical fee.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle is demanding over £75 million for the 21-year-old England international. Negotiations have been challenging all summer, with Newcastle having little incentive to sell and even less time to find a suitable replacement.
This firm stance aligns with previous reports from Sky Sports, which indicated that Newcastle had already rejected United's initial inquiry and made it clear Hall was not for sale. Hall's current contract, with three years remaining, further strengthens Newcastle's negotiating position.
While Hall would undoubtedly bolster Manchester United's squad, offering youth, Premier League experience, and defensive and offensive capabilities, a fee exceeding £75 million would be difficult to justify. United finds itself in a weaker negotiating position due to Newcastle's awareness of Carrick's need for a left-back and the lack of time for alternatives, a scenario ripe for inflated prices.
Manchester United does have alternative options, and players like Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu could cover the position in the interim. If Newcastle unexpectedly lowers its demands, United should be prepared. However, unless Hall becomes available at a more reasonable price, it might be wiser for United to walk away and reconsider the transfer next summer.
