Sources: Manchester United receive clear responses after transfer enquiries

Manchester United are in the market for a new left-back but currently look to be struggling to land top targets Lewis Hall and Alejandro Balde.

Sources with a close understanding of the situation have confirmed to CaughtOffside that Man Utd have recently had contacts over both Hall and Balde.

Newcastle United are adamant that they don’t want to sell Hall after already losing so many key players this summer, as well as their manager Eddie Howe.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils had initially been given some encouragement to explore a deal for Balde after an approach via intermediaries.

The player himself, however, has spoken publicly to insist he wants to stay at Barcelona, so what’s going on here?

Alejandro Balde could stay at Barcelona…for now

The latest information from sources is that Balde is determined to stay at Barcelona, and they won’t force him out of the club.

However, there has been a lack of progress over a new contract for the 22-year-old, and some sources had been led to believe that could lead to him being available.

With United in the market for a left-back, it seems they were invited to explore this deal, though it now looks highly unlikely to happen this summer.

“United want a left-back and have looked into Balde’s situation. The current feeling is that it’s not happening this summer, but if he doesn’t agree a new contract it’s one to watch again in the future,” one source explained.

Of course, it remains to be seen if Balde will continue to be one of the priorities on United’s list, as they may end up going all in for someone like Hall, or another alternative elsewhere.

More on Lewis Hall’s future

Despite some talk of MUFC preparing a bid for Hall, I’m told that is not something that looks realistically imminent as of this morning.

There have been some contacts to gain information on the situation, but the clear message for now is that Newcastle are not open to any offers.

There is also interest from Chelsea in Hall, so that could be another story to watch, but in general Newcastle are likely to make it very difficult for the 21-year-old to leave.

In any case, the club have to resolve their manager issue and deal with Bruno Guimaraes’ likely move to Arsenal.

Hall is highly regarded by top clubs, however, so it could be that the likes of United and Chelsea will wait and see if an opportunity arises to sign him later in the summer, or they could decide to be patient and try again for him in future transfer windows.