Hall was switched to right-back for Newcastle's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, the penultimate fixture before Thomas Tuchel announced his 26-man squad — a positional shift he is understood to feel contributed to his omission. He was also substituted at half-time in a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth in April before starting on the bench against both Arsenal and Brighton.
Hall had been playing out of position to cover for the injured Tino Livramento, who was nonetheless included in Tuchel's squad — a detail that has only added to Hall's sense of frustration. Nico O'Reilly and Djed Spence travelled as Tuchel's left-back cover, despite Spence being naturally right-footed.
The Sun reports Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox has reportedly given the green light to pursue Hall, who fits a profile United have prioritised — left-footed, comfortable in possession, and English — at a position where Luke Shaw's contract expires next summer with no extension agreed.
Newcastle United's position remains that Hall is not for sale. The club value him at approximately £55 million and view him as a core part of Eddie Howe's squad going forward, having signed him permanently from Chelsea for £28 million last year following an initial loan.
But the broader picture at St James' Park has shifted. Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3 million this summer, and reports suggest Hall was involved in a difficult exchange with Howe over his role in the closing weeks of the season — with sources close to the player describing the working relationship as strained.
Bayern Munich are also described as a serious threat in the race for Hall, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea all monitoring the situation. Newcastle have publicly denied any rift between Hall and Howe.
Hall is contracted until 2029. Whether Newcastle's resolve survives a determined approach from Old Trafford — particularly if Hall himself indicates he wants to leave — is the question that will define one of the more understated subplots of United's summer.