Man Utd working on deal to sign £30m Hall alternative who’s now a top target

Manchester United have identified Club Brugge star Joaquin Seys as a top left-back target, with the defender being considered as an alternative to Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall.

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has confirmed Matthias Jaissle’s side have no interest in selling the Englishman earlier this month, saying: “Newcastle have informed Manchester United that full-back Lewis Hall is not for sale this summer, after an initial enquiry was rejected.

“The 21-year-old will be staying on Tyneside. Newcastle are in the market to sign another full-back themselves, so cannot lose one.”

As such, the Red Devils have started to identify a number of other targets in that area of the pitch, such as Alejandro Balde, Ferdi Kadıoğlu and Seys.

Unlike Balde and Kadıoğlu, Seys has no experience in a major European league, but he has established himself as an important player for Club Brugge at just 21-years-old, while also collecting six international caps for Belgium.

The Oostende-born defender has now made 99 senior appearances for Club Brugge, during which time he’s showcased his ability on the front foot by collecting seven goals and eight assists.

Jacek Kulig is also a big fan of the youngster, with the scout also being left impressed by his ability to create chances.

Man Utd identify Joaquin Seys as top transfer target

REUTERS/GEERT VANDEN WIJNGAERT

According to a report from Football Insider, Man United are now working on a deal for Seys, having identified him as a top target for the left-back area.

Club Brugge have set an asking price of £30m though, which the Red Devils are currently unwilling to pay, and they want to negotiate a lower fee prior to the September 1st transfer deadline.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke also explained that strengthening in the middle of the park and at left-back has been of key significance to United this summer, saying: “(Central midfield) has been the key priority area that United’s recruitment team wanted to strengthen, so if they bring in Baleba that’ll be three signings made.

“Left back is an area of the team that United are looking to strengthen too, they’ve obviously been frustrated in their pursuit of Lewis Hall. They’ve been looking at other players as well, as they want cover and competition for Luke Shaw.”

Shaw featured in all 38 of Man United’s Premier League matches last season, but he has struggled injury-wise in the past, and Michael Carrick could do with improving his depth at left-back, as his side are set to have a much busier fixture schedule this season.