Newcastle deny Hall fallout with Howe as Man United weigh left-back move

Newcastle United have moved to quash reports of a falling-out between left-back Lewis Hall and manager Eddie Howe, with the club stating the pair parted on good terms at the end of the season. Hall has not submitted a transfer request, according to a report by ChronicleLive, which describes Howe’s relationship with the 20-year-old as “very good”.

The denial comes amid reported interest from Manchester United, who are expected to need left-back reinforcements this summer. Tyrell Malacia is set to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires, leaving Luke Shaw as the only established option in that position.

Howe addressed Hall’s situation publicly during a press conference in the final week of the Premier League season, after the defender missed out on an England squad call-up from Thomas Tuchel. Djed Spence, Tino Livramento, and Nico O’Reilly were all selected ahead of him.

“My reaction to that was feeling for Lewis — to support him and talk to him and help him,” Howe said. “He is an outstanding player, he is so young and he’s got such a lot of his career ahead of him. You don’t want it to have a negative impact. I don’t think it will — I think he is very strong mentally. It was a big disappointment for him.”

Tuchel, who had observed Hall on two occasions during the spring, explained his decision to overlook the Newcastle man. “He suffers from a third change of coach at his club — since then he doesn’t get a lot of minutes,” the England manager said. “He loves defending, he’s the fastest player in our squad, and he loves defending one-on-ones. That’s what makes him a special full-back for us. But Djed and Tino were excellent against Uruguay, and that was the decision I could really trust.”

Hall joined Newcastle from Chelsea in 2023 and has established himself as a regular starter at St James’ Park. Whether United make a formal approach remains to be seen, but Newcastle’s public stance suggests they have no intention of letting the defender leave without a fight.