Manchester United target Jorge Salinas after Newcastle block Lewis Hall move

Manchester United are prepared to trigger the £13.7m release clause for Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas after ending their pursuit of Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall.

The Red Devils are in the market for a new left-back with experienced defender Luke Shaw having now entered the final 12 months of his contract at Old Trafford.

Club hierarchy had initially identified Hall as a primary target to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new campaign.

However, Newcastle are unwilling to sanction another major departure following the exits of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, alongside Bruno Guimaraes’ impending move to Arsenal.

Shift in transfer focus

With a deal for the Magpies full-back deemed too complicated, the 20-time English champions have shifted their attention to Spain.

Reports suggest the Premier League giants are now ready to meet the €16m (£13.7m) buyout clause for highly-rated teenager Salinas.

The promising youngster recently caught the eye of Old Trafford scouts while starring for his country at the Under-19 European Championships.

Spanish competition

The versatile defender, who is also capable of playing at centre-back, featured regularly as the Spanish national team won the youth tournament.

Despite the strong interest from England, a move to Manchester is not guaranteed amid emerging competition from La Liga heavyweights Barcelona.

Salinas currently has three years remaining on his existing contract with second-tier side Racing Santander.

Assessing priorities

Meanwhile, speculation linking the club with a move for versatile Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly has been firmly dismissed.

United are now assessing their ultimate squad priorities for the final month of the transfer window, with attacking reinforcements also under serious consideration.