Man Utd able to sanction £21m switch after Lewis Hall replace from Newcastle
A move for Lewis Hall now appears off the table and Manchester United already have a new potential transfer lined up
Man United are considering whether to match Bologna’s valuation for Lucumi(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are debating whether to match Bologna’s €25million (£21.7m) price tag for Jhon Lucumi after complications in the Lewis Hall chase. The Colombian defender is wanted across Europe, with United right in the mix.
Sunderland couldn’t get him last summer, and Chelsea, Juventus and Inter have since joined the hunt. Lucumi is only prepared to leave Bologna for a ‘big club,’ putting United firmly in the frame. According to Corriere di Bologna, United and Chelsea are both weighing up paying the fee – and Chelsea’s sale of Trevoh Chalobah to Como clears the way for them to move.
It’s also noted that Juventus have reached an agreement with the player over personal terms, but their offer has fallen short of Bologna’s demands – opening the door for a potential Premier League move. Bologna are said to be optimistic that English clubs could spark a bidding war, with Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest also in the frame.
Newcastle want to keep Lewis Hall this summer(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
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Only United and Chelsea are described as being ‘capable’ of meeting Bologna’s €25m (£21.7m) asking price, however. This follows Newcastle informing the Old Trafford officials that Hall is unavailable this summer, after an initial inquiry was turned down, according to Newcastle are also on the hunt for another full-back, indicating they can’t afford to lose one. Earlier reports suggested United had been prepared to shell out £60m for his services.
Michael Carrick is eager to bolster his options at left‐back. Patrick Dorgu is anticipated to play further up the field, while young Harry Amass has been informed he can depart the club.
This leaves Luke Shaw as the sole experienced choice in that role.
Hall emerged as a prime target after shining in the Premier League for Newcastle and narrowly missing out on a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.
Hall has also reportedly declined an opportunity to return to Chelsea, with staying put at St James’ Park currently seeming the most probable scenario.
The Magpies have had a tumultuous summer, marked by the exits of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and manager Eddie Howe. Bruno Guimaraes’ transfer to Arsenal is also on the cards.
However, United do have other targets in mind, including Fulham left‐back Antonee Robinson, who is seen as a ‘more affordable alternative.’
