Man Utd Rocked as Chelsea Join Race to Sign Lewis Hall

Manchester United are facing a battle in their hopes of landing Newcastle United star Lewis Hall, as a Premier League rival has joined the race, according to TeamTalk.

The England international has emerged as a key target for the Red Devils this summer, as they switch focus to improving the left-back ranks over the course of the transfer market.

It has been a problem position for several seasons, with Luke Shaw's fitness concerns joined by the inability to land a competitive replacement in recent transfer windows.

While the 30-year-old improved his availability last season, a return to the Champions League for next season means that several targets are on the radar to help deal with the increasingly busy schedule.

Hall appears to be target number one, but there is a fresh challenge in trying to secure his signature.

Recent reports have claimed that Man United have held positive talks to land Hall from Newcastle this summer, who value the England international at roughly £60 million.

While there is some hope of getting a deal done, TeamTalk now reports that Premier League rivals Chelsea are in the conversation to sign the 21-year-old in the transfer window.

It's claimed that the Blues are eyeing a possible return for the star, who came through the club's academy ranks as a youngster before making the switch to Newcastle.

Chelsea have made enquiries over the possibility, which may only ramp up due to Marc Cucurella's transfer to Real Madrid going through after a swift agreement was reached for the Spaniard.

The £60 million fee could prove to be prohibitive, with it being double the £30 million fee they managed to sell Hall for just a few years ago.

That said, the sale of Cucurella does mean the West London club now have money to burn at left-back, which could rock Man United in their own hopes of landing Hall.

The report claims that the 21-year-old is the "leading target" for the Red Devils this summer, but now face a battle on their hands to land him.

Manchester United's chase for a left-back will be key heading into next season, as the squad can't be left short for such an important area with the return of the Champions League.

With Nathaniel Brown set to join Bayern Munich, removing an option from the market, the importance of sealing Hall above many of the other options has increased.

Manchester United will be busy in the summer transfer window

The youngster has already got plenty of experience at the top level, and at just 21 years old, he has room to grow even further in the coming seasons.

It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils are willing to pay that £60 million valuation, but it could be a relative snip for a long-term arrival.