Up Call: Man Utd Must Hijack £40M Deal For 'Special' Hall Alternative

Manchester United clearly still need a new left-back after learning Newcastle United's stance on selling Lewis Hall.

Hall had been at the top of the Red Devils' wishlist as they looked to give Luke Shaw competition but the Magpies have made it clear they don't intend to sell. That is a real nuisance for Michael Carrick, who, as it stands, is heading into his first full season as manager with just two signings made.

INEOS were expected to be extremely busy this summer and started the window off well with the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Since then, it's been quiet at Old Trafford with little transfer activity frustrating fans, and a 4-2 pre-season friendly loss to AC Milan made it clear Carrick needs more.

Man Utd Should Hijack Diouf Deal

While a move Hall now looks to be off the cards, United should still be exploring the market for a new left-back. The solution is West Ham United's El Hadji Malick Diouf, who looks likely to be on the move before the window closes on September 1st.

GIVEMESPORT's senior correspondent Ben Jacobs reports that Brentford have resumed their pursuit of the Senegalese full-back. The issue is that there is a 'gulf in valuation' paving the way for other clubs to hijack the Bees' move.

United should consider swooping for Diouf who impressed despite the Hammers' relegation last season. A modern left-back who has pace, power and a fierce left-footed strike, he could prove to be an outstanding Hall alternative.

Diouf's attacking qualities have earned plaudits since he arrived in English football last summer. At just 21, he is still young and could be the long-term Shaw replacement the Reds need to sign sooner rather than later.

English presenter Jamie Boyce, a West Ham supporter, gave a glowing verdict on Diouf last season:

"El Hadji Malick Diouf is special. After watching him in just 5/6 games for West Ham, I genuinely think he’s one of the best players to ever wear the shirt."

A deal for Diouf is said to cost around £40m (per TEAMtalk), much more reasonably priced than one for Hall, who'd likely cost at least £60-70m. If INEOS are wise, they wait and see how much Brentford is prepared to offer and enter the race at that ballpark.

Man Utd Have To Make Three Signings

United cannot start Carrick's permanent reign and the new season back in the Champions League with just two additions made. It was widely reported that the club would be one of the busiest this summer but a lack of business has raised alarm bells with just a week until their opener against Hull City.

While a new left-back is a priority, so too should be a third midfield signing given Mason Mount's recurring injury struggles. Santos and Tielemans are impressive acquisitions, but a powerful defensive midfielder should have been signed to address Casemiro's departure.

There are also problems in attack with Benjamin Sesko set to start the season on the sidelines. The Slovenian's backup, Joshua Zirkzee, has failed to convince and is linked with a return to Serie A.

If INEOS can deliver a new left-back, holding midfielder and striker, the mood will completely shift. But it is worrying that they haven't landed a third signing since Tielemans was signed back on July 14th and the likes of Ipswich Town and Coventry City have outspent them.

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