Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has given internal approval to pursue Jorge Salinas should the club fail to land Lewis Hall from Newcastle United, according to multiple transfer reports.
The move would offer Manchester United a contingency at left-back, with Salinas understood to carry a release clause that the club are willing to trigger if negotiations over Hall reach a dead end.
A Busy Summer at Old Trafford
United have already strengthened their squad with several additions this window. Andrey Santos arrived from Chelsea in a deal worth around £48 million, while Karl Darlow joined on a free transfer from Leeds United, Youri Tielemans signed from Aston Villa for roughly £35 million, and Tynan Thompson came in from Tottenham Hotspur for about £8 million.
Despite that activity, Carrick is still targeting further arrivals. The priority list reportedly includes another midfielder, a left winger, and a full-back, with a new striker also under consideration before the window shuts.
Hall Remains the Primary Target
Among the names linked with a move to Old Trafford, Hall stands out as the clearest objective. United view the Newcastle defender as an ideal fit to strengthen the back line, and the player is understood to have internal backing within the club.
Contacts have been maintained to assess Hall's situation, though any deal is expected to be complicated. Newcastle are said to be demanding more than £60 million and have shown little appetite to sell after already losing key figures this summer.
Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon have departed St James' Park for significant fees, while Bruno Guimaraes is widely expected to join Arsenal. That wave of outgoing business has reinforced Newcastle's determination to retain Hall rather than sanction another major sale.
Why Salinas Has Entered the Frame
With Newcastle reluctant to negotiate, United have begun lining up alternatives. Salinas has emerged as the approved fallback option at Carrick's request, offering a more direct route should the Hall pursuit stall.
The Spaniard's release clause gives United a defined pathway to complete a deal without prolonged club-to-club haggling, a factor that has strengthened his appeal as the window enters its decisive phase.
What Happens Next
United's next steps will depend largely on Newcastle's stance. If the Magpies hold firm on their valuation and refusal to sell, Carrick's side could pivot quickly toward Salinas.
For now, Hall remains the top target and the club continue to monitor developments closely. Whether United push aggressively for the Newcastle star or activate their approved alternative plan is likely to become clearer in the coming days as both clubs assess their remaining business before the deadline.
