Hall's price tag revealed: Manchester United cannot afford him, defense reinforcement only in summer 2025. If Newcastle sells Tonali, they will have sufficient funds.

Manchester United, who were said to have major summer plans, have been lingering over their second signing, Matheus Fernandes, for a long time, with no immediate resolution. According to British media, the club's ambition to bring in a left-back is also encountering obstacles, particularly in the case of Newcastle's Lewis Hall, the most frequently linked player, who now appears difficult to acquire.

Following Tyrell Malacia's departure, Manchester United's senior squad now features only Luke Shaw as a specialist left-back. Shaw started all 38 Premier League matches last season. However, with Champions League football next season, the soon-to-be 31-year-old is unlikely to play every game, prompting United to consider signing a backup left-back.

In fact, Manchester United have several players capable of playing left-back. Patrick Dorgu was brought in by Ruben Amorim as a left wing-back, but he has proven better suited to a winger role. Under Carrick, there are also two 19-year-old prospects: Diego León and Harry Amass.

León, who joined for £7 million a year ago, has yet to make his debut and is considered not ready for the Premier League. Amass has already appeared, but he also lacks top-flight experience and may be sent out on loan again to gain more playing time.

The Daily Mail reports that Amass, who suffered a serious injury after being loaned to Norwich in January, will recover over the summer and join Luke Shaw in pre-season training and friendlies. However, before the season starts, he might be loaned to a Championship or lower Premier League side for more match action.

Manchester United also have other options for left-back, such as right-backs Diogo Dalot and Mazraoui—especially the Moroccan international, who started as left-back in the World Cup. So while the Red Devils are considering a left-back addition, it is not a must-buy.

Newcastle's 21-year-old Hall has been mentioned as a potential target, but his price is extremely high—over £50 million. Notably, the Magpies have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for €80 million (£70 million) and may also sell Tonali to Tottenham for a huge fee. They rejected Tottenham's £75 million bid, demanding a fixed fee of at least £85 million, with add-ons that could reach £100 million!

If Newcastle sell Tonali, the possibility of selling Hall becomes almost zero. They would have enough funds to rebuild and would not fear breaching Premier League financial rules. Anyone wanting to sign Hall would need to pay a record fee. Currently, the world's most expensive specialist full-back is PSG's Achraf Hakimi, who joined from Inter Milan for €68 million. Therefore, Newcastle may set Hall's price tag at £70 million to signal they do not want to sell.

Manchester United are unlikely to have sufficient funds this summer for such a high-value transfer. With the team's rebuilding focus on midfield, they are expected to wait until next pre-season to address defensive issues more systematically. A source told the Daily Mail that they are not currently interested in signing Hall and are puzzled by the rumors.

Next summer, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martínez will have contracts expiring. Whether Shaw will renew is still uncertain, and he may need to accept a significant pay cut from his current £190,000-a-week wages. Therefore, that will be the optimal time for United to sign a young left-back to succeed Shaw.

BBC expert Simon Stone confirmed: "I've spoken to people who are cautious about the left-back rumors. I mentioned Hall's name to some at United, and they think a move is unlikely. The club's interest is not as strong as previously reported."

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: "Manchester United really, really like Hall and have maintained contact with those around him, reaching out weeks ago. United are indeed very interested in the player, but Newcastle will not let him go easily—they have already sold Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali may also leave, so losing Hall would be too big a blow."

Manchester United may still choose to sign a cheaper left-back in the summer, such as Fulham's American international Antonee Robinson, who has been mentioned. Players of Hall's price range are not realistic.