Man Utd now hold club-to-club talks to sign “intelligent” £14m playmaker

Manchester United have opened talks to sign Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas, as an alternative to Newcastle United star Lewis Hall.

Patrick Dorgu has mainly been used as a left-winger since the arrival of Michael Carrick, which means Man United are a little short on options at left-back ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.

With the Red Devils set to have a much busier fixture list, Luke Shaw will need to be rested more often, and they are attempting to bring in a new left-back, with Hall among the targets.

However, the 21-year-old, who made 30 Premier League appearances last season, remains under contract until 2029, and Newcastle may be reluctant to approve another big sale, having already lost Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer.

As such, United have started looking at alternative options, and Salinas has emerged as a target, after playing a major role in Racing Santander being promoted to La Liga last season, featuring in 33 matches.

During that time, the 19-year-old became his side’s chief playmaker from the wing, picking up seven assists. Hall, on the other hand, set up just one goal in the Premier League.

The teenager also excelled from a defensive point of view, averaging more tackles than any other member of the Racing Santander squad in the La Liga 2.

Man Utd open talks to sign Jorge Salinas

While all of the attention is on the move for Carlos Baleba, TEAMtalk claim Man United have also opened negotiations to sign Salinas, engaging in club-to-club talks with Racing Santander, while also making contact with his agent.

The full-back has a low release clause of just €16m (£14m) included in his contract with the Spanish side, meaning he could be a bargain addition to Carrick’s squad.

The Red Devils still haven’t decided whether they wish to trigger the release clause though, and they may have to move quickly, with Atletico Madrid pushing hard to win the race.

Earlier this summer, it appeared as though Barcelona were going to secure Salinas’ signature, at which point he was singled out for plaudits by scout Jacek Kulig.

While Kulig believes the full-back could be capable of reaching the highest level, he is yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues. having only made one La Liga appearance.

As such, he may find it difficult to compete for Shaw’s place in the side to begin with, if Man United get a deal done.