Manchester United plot signing Newcastle’s Lewis Hall

Manchester United have moved to play down talk of a move for Cristian Romero.

According to TEAMtalk, sources insist the club are not actively pursuing the Tottenham defender, despite recent speculation. Their recruitment focus lies elsewhere.

The Romero links came from Argentina overnight. Reports there claimed United were ready to exploit uncertainty over his Spurs future.

Manchester United prioritise Hall and cool on Romero talk

The suggestion was a swoop for the World Cup winner. United’s priorities, though, sit in different positions entirely.

Left-back is one of them. TEAMtalk reports the club hold strong interest in Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, who has impressed in recent seasons.

The 21-year-old is understood to be keen on Old Trafford, viewing it as a key step in his development.

Champions League football is part of the draw. Hall played in the competition with Newcastle this season and wants more of the same.

United have made positive early contact, though formal talks have yet to open.

A deal will not come cheap. Newcastle are under no pressure to sell, especially after banking around £69m from Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona.

They value Hall in excess of £60m, making him one of the summer’s pricier full-back targets.

Midfield is the other clear priority. United have made fresh contact with West Ham over Mateus Fernandes, the Portugal international.

The approach reflects Michael Carrick’s desire to add quality and energy to his engine room. United hold an edge over Paris Saint-Germain in that race.

The wider plan is ambitious. United want a new left-back, two or three midfielders, and a striker to compete with Benjamin Sesko. A backup goalkeeper for Senne Lammens is also on the list.

Central defence, by contrast, can wait. The hierarchy feels comfortable with current options there and may revisit the area later in the window.

For now, the energy is going into positions that need it more, which is why Romero is not a priority.