Online Reporter
NEWCASTLE boss Matthias Jaissle shot down Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel’s suggestion Lewis Hall could still leave this summer.
The German head coach got his first point in the Premier League on Sunday in a dramatic opening weekend draw with Liverpool — and Hall gave away a stoppage time penalty.
Dominik Szoboszlai ruthlessly converted to salvage the score at 2-2, but it was Jaissle and Newcastle who impressed the most.
Despite barely being in the job two weeks, the former RB Salzburg head coach had his depleted squad perform admirably on an emotional day at St James’ Park. And Hall, subject to much transfer speculation over the past few months, was one of the standouts — until his last gasp blunder.
The England defender, who brutally missed out on World Cup selection, fouled Victor Munoz with just seconds to play.
He was gutted at full-time but had kept Liverpool quiet until then. nd Jaissle is determined to keep the ex-Chelsea academy ace in the North East.
When discussing his plans for the rest of the window, Jaissle admitted: “I think it will be a stressful period for the sporting director [Ross Wilson]. “We have some needs, definitely.”
He was then urged to say where upgrades would fit in, and started to answer, “Position wise…” before stopping himself.
Schmeichel, on punditry duty for Viaplay, laughed: “You can tell us.”
And Jaissle replied: “Because you ask, I was about to tell you but I (will) keep it a secret.”
He added: “If you are bringing players in, maybe there will also be some players out.”
United icon Schmeichel then interjected to say: “We’re (Manchester United) looking at your left-back.”
But Jaissle gave the idea short shrift, jumping in and grinning as he said: “No chance! No chance!”
Hall, 21, has been linked with a move away from the Toon for a while — and that has only intensified with United’s expected focus on a left-back over the next week. SunSport understands that the youngster would find it hard to turn down a switch to Old Trafford — but any deal would be extremely expensive.
Newcastle signed Hall from Chelsea in 2023 on loan before making it permanent for £32million 12 months later. Now he is established as one of the league’s best left-backs, but has seen a host of key team-mates depart when some have questioned the ambition and direction of the Saudi Arabian project.
Newcastle have sold Anthony Gordon as well as midfield pair Bruno Guimaraes (club captain at the time) and Sandro Tonali.
Last year Alexander Isak joined Liverpool on deadline day. But reports say Hall is set to be offered an enormous new contract in order to tie him down. And Jaissle is willing to make him part of a new-look leadership group including Big Dan Burn. — Sun.
