Man Utd told to sign ‘perfect’ Premier League star over Myles Lewis-Skelly

Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley has urged the club to ramp up their efforts to sign Lewis Hall, claiming the Newcastle star would be the ‘perfect’ addition at Old Trafford.

United have made inroads addressing their number one priority this summer, strengthening their midfield options with the addition of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined fee of around £83million.

However, the true extent of United’s transfer ambitions are yet to be fully fulfilled, with club bosses desperate to further close the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City following an end-of-season resurgence under Michael Carrick last term.

Luke Shaw is currently the only left-back specialist in Carrick’s squad – with Harry Amass expected to leave on loan again this season – and left-back is the new area of focus at the Theatre of Dreams.

England international Hall reportedly finds himself at the top of United’s wishlist for the role on the back of three excellent seasons at St James’ Park.

But while Hall is said to be ‘keen’ on a proposed switch to the red half of Manchester, the Magpies are insistent that the sought-after 21-year-old is not for sale.

It means United have been forced to turn to potential alternatives in the transfer market, namely Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson.

According to Bardsley, though, United should not abandon their pursuit of Hall without a fight given the youngster would suit Carrick’s squad ‘to a tee’

‘There’s still time in the transfer window but they need at least one more midfielder, someone who is more defensively-minded, and another left-back,’ the ex-United, Sunderland and Scotland full-back told Casinolyze.

‘Luke Shaw has looked sharp in pre-season but with his injury record you always worry. I don’t think you can always rely on him for a full season, especially when United are back in the Champions League, because of the amount of games they’ll have to play.

‘Lewis Hall from Newcastle United would be the perfect fit. It’s just a question of getting him out of Newcastle United this summer when they’ve already sold so many players and lost Eddie Howe.

‘He’s a Premier League proven player though and a great age.

‘I think the way he plays suits Manchester United to a tee.’

Bardsley is adamant that Hall would be a far more sensible signing that Lewis-Skelly, despite the latter’s undoubted ‘quality’.

‘I prefer Lewis Hall to Myles Lewis-Skelly when you look at what Manchester United need this summer. Hall is better suited to playing left-back,’ he added.

‘I think if you look at Lewis-Skelly, he’s a much better player when you play him in midfield, and I don’t think United need another young player going into the middle of the park.

‘They need a proven defensive midfielder who’s got that experience to come in and own that position.

‘Listen, he’s a quality player. There’s no doubt about it. He won the Premier League last season and started in a Champions League final in midfield. But for me, if I had to pick between the two of them, it’s Lewis Hall every day of the week and twice on Sunday.’

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