Howe's United arrival could trigger £70m move for Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall

Manchester United’s interest in Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall is expected to intensify next summer, with reports linking the £70 million-rated defender to a move to Old Trafford should Eddie Howe be appointed as the club’s next head coach.

Howe has emerged as technical director Jason Wilcox’s preferred candidate to succeed Michael Carrick, whose position has come under serious pressure following a 3-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Julian Nagelsmann is also understood to have been considered, but Howe is reportedly the frontrunner among realistic options.

The connection to Hall is a natural one. The 21-year-old full-back flourished under Howe at Newcastle, and Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke has revealed that United’s interest from last summer never cooled. “Hall remains a leading target for Man United and they could make a fresh move next summer,” O’Rourke reported, adding that any deal would cost the club at least £70 million.

Hall signed a new contract at St James’ Park extending his stay until 2031, which places Newcastle firmly in control of any negotiations. O’Rourke noted that “any deal will have to be on their terms, while he remains a crucial part of Matthias Jaissle’s plans.”

The need for a left-back at United is well-documented. Former United defender Gary Neville has described the club’s failure to address the position in the summer window as “absolute negligence”, pointing to Lenny Yoro operating at right-back and Diogo Dalot at left-back as evidence of a structural problem. Luke Shaw has been more available over the past 18 months than in the two preceding seasons, but United are understood to be seeking a long-term solution rather than relying on the England international.

Hall made the move from Chelsea to Newcastle initially on loan in 2023 before making the transfer permanent, and has since accumulated 80 Premier League appearances for the Magpies across four seasons. He has also broken into the senior England setup, earning five caps under Thomas Tuchel after featuring in Lee Carsley’s Nations League squad in 2024.

A minor injury has interrupted his current campaign, but Hall’s trajectory since leaving Stamford Bridge has been consistently upward, making him one of the most coveted young full-backs in English football.