Insider: Man Utd open talks with ‘excellent’ left-back after giving up on Hall

Manchester United are making concrete steps to sign a new left-back, with Jorge Salinas emerging as a serious target.

On Wednesday morning, it was revealed that Man Utd are in advanced negotiations with Brighton for Carlos Baleba, whose arrival would complete Michael Carrick’s new-look midfield.

After sorting out the middle of the park, the left-back role will be the absolute top priority for Man Utd officials for the rest of the summer transfer campaign.

Man Utd contact Jorge Salinas, following David Raum

At the start of the summer, Lewis Hall was considered United’s ultimate top target for the left-back role. The 21-year-old is a Chelsea youth product who has already proven himself at Newcastle United, making him Luke Shaw’s ideal long-term successor.

However, the Magpies are refusing to part ways with the young full-back after cashing in on Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Anthony Gordon this summer.

On Tuesday, The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell explained that Man Utd have simply decided to delay Hall’s onslaught until next year, and could turn to the more affordable Salinas this summer.

The 19-year-old is a Racing Santander youth product who became a member of the first team last year and helped the club secure a promotion to LaLiga after contributing with seven assists in 33 league appearances.

In his latest update on Man Utd’s RoundTable, Carrington insider Sully revealed that INEOS have indeed held talks with Salinas’ entourage. The teenager is considered a high-potential target.

The Red Devils wouldn’t have to negotiate a deal with Racing, as they can simply trigger his €16 million release clause.

Nevertheless, Sully insisted that Salinas isn’t the only name on the shortlist, as United continue to keep close tabs on David Raum.

The 28-year-old German international currently plays for RB Leipzig and is a former teammate of Benjamin Sesko.

Salinas or Raum? Who should Man Utd pursue?

On Sunday, Salinas played his first-ever top-flight game, as Racing Santander earned a 2-2 draw with Villarreal in the opening round of LaLiga.

On the contrary, Raum has 143 appearances in the Bundesliga, 19 in the Champions League, and has earned 39 international caps with Germany. Therefore, when it comes to experience, the two players are incomparable.

However, at the age of 28, Raum has yet to play for an elite club, although he was linked with many in the past.

On the other hand, Salinas appears to be destined for great things, and he already has a host of suitors queuing up for his services.

Hence, signing the Spain U19 international for £13.7 million could prove to be one of the best coups of the summer, at least if the youngster manages to fulfil his early promise.

Moreover, with Shaw locking down a starting role, Man Utd can still afford to bring in a green talent and slowly integrate him into Carrick’s plans.