Newcastle United have formally denied reports suggesting a dispute between manager Eddie Howe and defender Lewis Hall, following speculation that the player was unhappy after being left out of England’s World Cup squad.

According to The Sun, Hall allegedly believed that his omission from England’s World Cup team was influenced by Howe. The same report also claimed that tensions between the two had prompted Hall to consider leaving St. James’ Park during the summer transfer window, with Manchester United reportedly preparing to make a move as they continue their search for Luke Shaw’s long-term successor.

However, journalist Samuel Luckhurst later revised the original article, removing all references to the alleged disagreement between Howe and Hall. This led to further questions about the accuracy of the earlier claims.

ChronicleLive has since released its own report rejecting those allegations, stating that the England international and Howe continue to share a positive working relationship. The publication quoted club sources who emphasised that there had been no falling-out between the two.

“Newcastle United sources have strongly denied that there has been a bust-up between Eddie Howe and Lewis Hall,” the outlet reported. “ChronicleLive has been told that Hall has NOT handed in a transfer request and that the pair left for the summer on excellent terms despite the recent national stories. Toon sources say that Howe’s relationship with the left-back remains ‘very good’ and that there has been no argument behind the scenes.”

It is still uncertain whether this clarification rules out a potential transfer for Hall. The 21-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Chelsea, is currently valued at more than £50 million.

Manchester United had been hoping that a transfer request might lead to a lower fee, but that scenario now appears unlikely. INEOS, the club’s ownership group, continues to face challenges in finding a reliable left-back option. Arsenal are reluctant to part with Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Bayern Munich have reportedly hijacked a potential move for Nathaniel Brown.

If United fail to secure Hall, manager Michael Carrick could turn to the club’s academy to fill the position. Emerging talent Harry Amass, who impressed under Ruben Amorim and during his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, is expected to be given a chance to earn a first-team place during pre-season.

Although Luke Shaw featured regularly in the Premier League last season, his recurring injury issues mean United need additional depth in defence—especially with the club’s return to the UEFA Champions League next season increasing their fixture load.