Manchester United are pushing forward with plans to strengthen at left-back this summer, with talkSPORT reporting that Alejandro Balde and David Raum have emerged as credible alternatives after Lewis Hall became increasingly difficult to prise away from Newcastle United.
Recruitment in that area has been a priority at Old Trafford ahead of the new campaign. Luke Shaw remains highly regarded and is expected to start the season as first choice, but the wider picture is clear. United are back in the Champions League, the schedule will be heavier, and there is a firm recognition that depth is required. Patrick Dorgu has often been used further forward by Michael Carrick since his return in January, which has only reinforced the need for another specialist option.
Lewis Hall remains difficult deal
Hall had been at the top of United’s shortlist, and Jason Wilcox is understood to admire the Newcastle defender greatly. Yet the situation on Tyneside appears to have changed. Newcastle have already seen Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes depart, making it even less likely they sanction another major exit.
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As reported, “I think, ideally, Lewis Hall at Newcastle would be United’s dream target, but Newcastle made it pretty clear they’re not willing to sell him this summer. In fact, they’ve started talks over a new contract.” That is a significant detail and one that explains why United have broadened their search.
Alejandro Balde and David Raum enter frame
Two names now warrant close attention. The first is Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde, a player with high-level pedigree and the sort of athletic profile that would appeal to United’s recruitment team. The update was delivered clearly: “One name emerging from Spain overnight is the Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde, so one to keep an eye on between now and September 1 when the window closes.”
Then there is RB Leipzig’s David Raum, an established Germany international with…
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