Manchester United have been tracking Lewis Hall for months.
The interest has always been genuine.
But now, with the new season just weeks away, that interest has moved to a different level entirely.
A £60 million bid is being prepared.
And Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the player has been internally approved at Old Trafford.
Manchester United prepare £60m Lewis Hall bid as Fabrizio Romano confirms player interest
According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are preparing a significant opening offer for Newcastle United’s left-back, with the pursuit being led by director of football Jason Wilcox and the club having made formal checks over the feasibility of a deal.
Fabrizio Romano delivered the key detail.
“Man Utd really appreciate Lewis Hall and Man Utd consider Lewis Hall as a crucial player they would like to add to their squad.”
He then added the caveat that will concern United supporters.
“My understanding is that Newcastle will make their life complicated. Newcastle don’t want to sell Lewis Hall.”
The backdrop to United’s pursuit is clear.
Hall lost his starting place at Newcastle to Dan Burn at the end of last season, a development that saw him miss Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad entirely.
He is also understood to be concerned about the direction of the Newcastle project following an extraordinary summer of departures.
Including manager Eddie Howe, departing after becoming disillusioned with the club’s transfer activity.
Manchester United are actively looking to exploit that instability.
Sensing an opportunity to sign a left-back who, under different circumstances, would be entirely off the market.
Hall is understood to be “amenable” to joining United.
Chelsea also retain interest in re-signing their former academy product.
But United are in the driving seat.
With a £60 million proposal representing an extraordinary statement of intent for a player who would become their most expensive summer signing.
The Premier League season begins on August 22.
However, United are not done yet.
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