INEOS identify Lewis Hall alternative as Man Utd told key target is 'untouchable'

Manchester United have reportedly identified a 'plan B' to strengthen at left-back this summer after being told Lewis Hall is 'untouchable' at Newcastle.

United have been tracking Hall's availability throughout the summer window, with reports in June claiming that the 21-year-old was among their top transfer targets.

Michael Carrick's side are in need of a new left-back to provide competition and rotation for Luke Shaw after Tyrell Malacia was released by the club as a free agent.

Reports claimed that a move to Old Trafford 'greatly appeals' to Hall, but that Newcastle had set a significantly high asking price.

Since then, the Magpies have let Sandro Tonali leave the club to join Tottenham, and remain in negotiations with Arsenal over the potential sale of captain Bruno Guimaraes.

READ MORE: Man Utd handed huge transfer blow as Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal sparks domino effect

Now, according to the Manchester Evening News, United have been warned off making a move for Hall, who has been described as 'untouchable' as far as a potential sale is concerned.

United decide on Lewis Hall 'plan B'

That has prompted minority co-owners INEOS, responsible for the club's footballing department, to look elsewhere - and they have now settled on a plan B.

That's as per Spanish outlet SPORT, who claim that United are 'very serious' about signing young left-back Jorge Salinas from Racing Santander.

The 19-year-old made 33 appearances for Racing last season in Spain's second division, providing seven assists.

He has represented Spain at the U19 European Championships this summer, playing a starring role as his nation won the tournament by defeating Germany 2-0 in the final.

It is claimed that United were monitoring Salinas throughout the competition and were 'pleasantly surprised' by his performances.

Jorge Salinas pictured in action for Racing Santander (Image: Getty)

They are said to 'believe he is ready to join the first team immediately' and compete for a place in the starting XI with Luke Shaw.

While Shaw started every Premier League game for United last season, Carrick's side now also have the Champions League to contend with and will hope for longer runs in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup in comparison to how they performed last season.

As well as being an adept left-back, Salinas is also capable of playing centre-back, which would add another element of depth to United's squad. He has a release clause set at €16 million (around £13.7m).

Under INEOS, United have shifted to more of a youth-focused policy in the transfer market, backed up by the signing of 22-year-old midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea this summer for a fee of £48 million.

But experience has still come through the doors of Old Trafford as well, with United triggering the £35 million release clause of Youri Tielemans, 29, to sign him from Aston Villa.

They have also completed the free agent signing of experienced goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who left Leeds after his contract expired in June and will now join a senior goalkeeping group consisting of Senne Lammens and the veteran shot-stopper Tom Heaton.