Lewis Hall wants to leave Newcastle United after a breakdown in his relationship with manager Eddie Howe, with Manchester United keen to sign the 21-year-old left-back.
The England defender is understood to be frustrated with Howe, laying the blame on his manager after being switched to right-back shortly before Thomas Tuchel named his World Cup squad. Hall felt his game time and positions did not aid his World Cup ambitions in the final weeks of the season.
“Lewis Hall wants to leave Newcastle after relationship breakdown with Eddie Howe; Manchester United keen.”
He was substituted at half-time during Newcastle's 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth in April and then began the next two games against Arsenal and Brighton on the bench. The Sun reports that Hall was involved in a row with Howe and some at Newcastle fear their working relationship has come to an end.
Howe previously said: "My wish is for all the players who want to go, to go. The World Cup and representing their countries is a huge moment for them so my first thought is to them."
Hall would be open to joining Manchester United, who are in the market for a long-term left-back with Luke Shaw out of contract next year. The Red Devils are also viewing Fulham's Antonee Robinson, 28, as a possible signing for next season, according to Sky Sports.
However, Newcastle deny there has been a falling out between Hall and Howe. Chronicle Live reports that Hall hasn't handed in a transfer request and is still on good terms with Howe. The left-back is under contract at St James' Park until 2029.
The Magpies have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £70m, which will ease their financial fears. But while Hall, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have all been linked with rival clubs and would command hefty fees, Newcastle would rather keep them than cash in—especially after the late sale of Alexander Isak last summer had a lasting impact on their season.