Man Utd ready formal approach for Lewis Hall as Newcastle exodus looms

Manchester United are preparing to step up their pursuit of Lewis Hall after learning that Eddie Howe has decided to walk away from Newcastle United. The Magpies manager has informed the club he needs a break from coaching, and his departure is set to be confirmed imminently. Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle is expected to take over at St James' Park for the 2026-27 campaign. Newcastle have already shipped out Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona this summer. Club captain Bruno Guimarães is also pushing for an exit, with Premier League champions Arsenal showing serious interest. Hall, the England left-back, is open to leaving as well. Manchester United are currently seen as the frontrunners, though Chelsea - who sold Hall to Newcastle in 2024 - are also monitoring the situation. According to media, Michael Carrick's side are now weighing up a formal offer amid the growing uncertainty on Tyneside. The Red Devils have identified left-back as a priority target for the window, wanting a player who can genuinely challenge Luke Shaw for a starting spot. Hall, still only 21, has emerged as the prime candidate after impressing consistently since his move to Newcastle. Despite being left out of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, Hall is widely regarded as one of the Premier League's finest in his position. His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) sits at €37.6 million, and he is said to be open to a switch to Old Trafford ahead of next season. Analysis: Why Man Utd should sign Lewis Hall Even with the World Cup snub, Hall remains a top-class left-back with huge potential at just 21. He offers genuine quality at both ends of the pitch - his energetic forward runs would add a new dimension to United's attack, an area where Shaw has struggled to provide consistency. Defensively, Hall has proven tough to beat in one-on-one situations, and his all-round game would be a major asset for Carrick's side, particularly if a deal can be struck around his €37.6 million valuation.