Manchester United's long search for a new left-back to challenge Luke Shaw has stalled, with the club showing reluctance to meet the asking price for their reported top target as the transfer window nears its close. Michael Carrick has spoken confidently about United's summer business, but the squad still shows a clear gap in defensive depth that could prove costly given a much heavier fixture schedule following the club's return to the Champions League.

United's analysts identified Newcastle's Lewis Hall as their preferred option, but the Magpies have valued the 21-year-old at around £70m, having already lost Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, and talks have stalled. Alternatives such as Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas and Club Brugge's Joaquin Seys are considered too inexperienced, while Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are not seen as natural fits at left-back. Shaw, 31, started every league game last season but has a history of injuries, and struggled in a 4-2 pre-season defeat to Milan. By contrast, United appear closer to resolving their midfield needs, closing in on Brighton's Carlos Baleba after opting not to pursue costlier alternatives like Elliot Anderson (£116m to Manchester City) or Mateus Fernandes and Tonali (£185m combined to Tottenham).