Man United have already decided their first signing of 2027 after transfer window closes

Manchester United have already decided on their first signing of the 2027 transfer window after a disappointing Deadline Day.

On a day when Manchester City equalled the Premier League transfer record with the arrival of Enzo Fernandez for £125 million, and Aston Villa completed the £47 million signing of Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain, United were one of several clubs who didn't complete any business.

Michael Carrick went into the final day of the window with four new signings, prioritising his midfield with the additions of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba for around £150 million, as well as Karl Darlow on a free transfer from Leeds United.

But other areas of Carrick's squad also needed improving, most notably at left-back, where the Red Devils failed to sign any of their key targets and even submitted a late enquiry to Manchester City over a shock move for Rayan Ait-Nouri that was instantly rejected.

Throughout the summer, United made it clear that Newcastle United's Lewis Hall was their top target. INEOS saw the 21-year-old as the perfect replacement for the long-serving Luke Shaw, whose contract expires in June 2027.

Hall would have provided perfect competition for Shaw, but Newcastle made it clear that he wasn't for sale, making it impossible for the 13-time Premier League champions to land the England international.

On deadline day, there was a slight chance of a late deal being completed. But according to the Daily Mail, the Magpies wanted a bid of more than £75 million to 'even consider' letting him leave, and INEOS were unwilling to pay that amount.

Man United draw up plans to sign Lewis Hall in 2027

Hall and Ait-Nouri weren't the only left-backs Man United tried to sign. Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas and Aston Villa's Ian Maatsen were three of many players they were interested in throughout the summer.

TEAMtalk, though, have revealed that Newcastle's Hall remains their top target and they 'fully intend' to return for the Englishman in 2027 - whether that's in January or the summer.

The Magpies No.3 is contracted at St James' Park until the summer of 2029 and, according to the report, they are 'determined not to sell' and will offer him a 'huge contract' to convince him to stay.

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Hall has made an excellent start to the season under new manager Matthias Jaissle, starring in their 2-2 draw against Liverpool and 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

It is reported that Jaissle's influence could persuade him to commit his long-term future to the club, but with United waiting in the wings, a fascinating tug-of-war is set to continue in 2027.

When asked about the chances of Hall moving to Old Trafford last week, Jaissle laughed off the suggestions, saying "No chance! No chance!".

His feelings will undoubtedly grow stronger towards the player as the season progresses, and that will make it harder for United to secure a transfer - unless they're willing to break the bank next year.