Manchester United have reportedly changed tack and want to sign Andrea Cambiaso after failing to land Lewis Hall.

Despite never making a formal offer, the Red Devils media machine appeared convinced that Hall would leave Newcastle United in the summer. St James’ Park sources remained adamant that the defender was not for sale.

After selling Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, the Magpies were under no pressure to offload Hall. The 22-year-old - now establishing himself as England’s first-choice left-back - put the speculation to bed shortly after the window closed.

Hall signed a bumper five-year contract extension - keeping him tied down at St James’ Park until 2031. It would take a monumental offer for Newcastle to consider selling their most prized asset.

Manchester United change tack

TeamTalk now claim Man United want Juventus star Cambiaso. The Red Devils - currently in the relegation zone - are without Luke Shaw due to injury.

Regardless, there have been question marks over Shaw’s fitness record and, at 31, his long-term quality. With funds at Old Trafford tight, it is possible that Hall’s contract extension and solid start to the season have pushed him outside of their price bracket.

Lewis Hall on Newcastle United

When asked by NewcastleWorld if his long-term future lies elsewhere, Hall left the door open to an exit further down the line if the club do not match his ambition. This was widely received as a fair comment from an England international who is destined to reach the top.

“Yeah, I think so,” Hall said about staying at Newcastle long-term. “When you're at a team, you don't think too far into the future. Obviously, I'm really grateful for the contract that I received and the chance that I've been given from the board, the manager and everything like that.

“But yeah, I'm just taking it game by game at a time (and) trying to do the best I can for this club. We've got ambitions and, as long as we achieve these ambitions and achieve what we want to achieve, I'm sure I'll be here for a long time.”