Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd’s left-back plan as Newcastle set to keep Lewis Hall

Manchester United‘s search for a left-back solution is going right down to the wire, with Fabrizio Romano sharing the latest from Old Trafford as deadline day approaches.

United have made no secret of their need for reinforcements in that position, and with the clock ticking, the priority has shifted from a marquee name to someone who can walk in and do a job straight away.

United’s first-choice target appears to have been Lewis Hall at Newcastle, but the Magpies are reluctant to sanction another exit having already lost several key players this summer, and are even said to have offered Hall a long-term contract to keep hold of him, forcing the Red Devils to look at Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde.

But Romano has confirmed the Spain international wants to fight for his place at Camp Nou.

“Understand Alejandro Balde has informed Barcelona about his desire to STAY at the club and compete for a spot,” he said. “His intention is clear; decision up to the club after exploring sale. Only a big proposal from a top club can change the scenario from now to deadline day.”

Ben Jacobs has exclusively told FFC that United have been offered three alternative options as they continue to explore the market: Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jorge Salinas and David Raum, who appears to be the most likely of the three at this point.

Now Romano has gone further, suggesting that with a superstar signing looking unlikely, United may instead pursue an experienced, ready-made option, much like when they took Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham.

Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd targeting experience over experiment

Speaking on his Youtube channel, Romano said: “I can gaurantee to you that Man United are still looking for a solution at left back, so United are working to add a new left back.

“I would not be surprised if they end up with a solution who can be almost a guarantee, so not a superstar like Balde – they considered Balde, they had a call with Jorge Mendes one week ago, but the deal is too expensive.

If United are indeed looking for a Reguilon-esque option, two names stand out as a natural fit: Marseille’s Emerson Palmieri and AC Milan’s Pervis Estupinan.

Both are experienced internationals with proven Premier League pedigree, ticking the box for a “guaranteed” option rather than a gamble.

Estupinan in particular could be worth watching closely. The Brighton left-back is represented by Mendes, the same agent United have already been in dialogue with over a potential Balde deal. Given that relationship is already open, it wouldn’t be a surprise if United used it to explore a switch for Estupinan before deadline day, especially with United working against the clock to get a deal for the position over the line.