While the pre-season wheels continue to turn for Michael Carrick and his first-team squad in Ireland, progress towards further signings is being made behind the scenes in Manchester.
As revealed yesterday, United continue to assess the best options ahead of another crucial Premier League campaign, with both full-back and central midfield remaining as priority positions.
Lewis Hall is the name that many are well-accustomed to seeing, given the Reds’ long-standing desire to lure him to the North West. Still, a reluctance to part company remains in Newcastle.
Therein lies the scope for possible alternatives, with the likes of Antonee Robinson offering an experienced short-term option to utilise alongside Luke Shaw, before returning for Hall at a later date.
But the range of prospective additions spans a wide spectrum of defenders.
And per Tuesday’s report from Bobby Vincent and Tom Canton, United have again been handed the opportunity to sign Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Although the pair have revealed that Chelsea is another viable landing spot for the talented 19-year-old, Manchester officials have appreciated Lewis-Skelly for some time.
We can confirm that Arsenal and United held discussions at the beginning of the year, with the player keen to establish himself as a first-team regular, even after putting pen to paper on a five-year extension last summer.
However, a valuation in the region of £55-£60 million was viewed as ‘more than ambitious’ at M16.
Despite making 20 appearances during last season’s title-winning campaign, only five of those were from the opening whistle. That said, the Londoner finished strongly, starting five of the final six fixtures, including the Champions League showpiece.
Mikel Arteta’s side has spent a fraction over £143m this summer and is eager to recoup additional funds following the departures of Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior, and Christian Norgaard.
Our sources have verified that Arsenal would find it difficult to ignore a suitable bid for their academy starlet, and, somewhat surprisingly, are open to a late approach from their Premier League rivals.
Given Lewis-Skelly’s age, versatility, potential and present ability, it’s easy to see why United have long considered him a player of interest.
There are very few individuals on the market who can transition between full-back and midfield responsibilities with such relative ease.
As we revealed in July, the Hale End graduate was drawn as a potential solution given Newcastle’s desire to retain Hall for all but a record transfer fee.
Nonetheless, United remain committed to their pursuit of The Magpies’ 21-year-old talent, and have not ruled out what would be a stunning acquisition for Ineos.
Matthias Jaissle has his job cut out for him at St James’ Park, arriving at a squad that has seen significant departures in Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. He will not want to see further exits.
Regardless, we’re told that Hall remains keen on a move to Old Trafford, and there is a unified acceptance of his qualities from Omar Berrada to Jason Wilcox, Christopher Vivell and Michael Sansoni.
United are aware that further additions are required to bolster Carrick’s squad, particularly in defence.
But as good a prospect as Lewis-Skelly is, and could become, Arsenal’s valuation is thought to be way beyond acceptable presently, as it climbs close to a fee that Newcastle would expect for Hall.
Does that mean that a deal for the Londoner remains impossible at this stage? No, of course not. But we would be surprised.
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