Manchester United should begin discussions for Bournemouth defender Adrien Truffert despite their strong interest in Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, according to a pundit.

Man Utd attempted to sign Hall during the summer transfer window, but Newcastle quickly rejected their approach. Newcastle had already sold Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, so they were unwilling to part with another key player.

Man Utd also looked at alternative targets including Rayan Ait-Nouri, Jorge Salinas and Alejandro Balde. Ultimately, however, no new left-back arrived at Old Trafford before the transfer deadline.

INEOS officials feel Michael Carrick has enough cover for Luke Shaw through options such as Patrick Dorgu, Carlos Baleba, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot.

Even so, many United supporters are concerned that not signing a specialist left-back to challenge Shaw could turn out to be an expensive mistake.

Hall is still United’s leading target for the 2027 summer transfer window, but talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy believes Bournemouth’s Truffert may actually be an even better option.

After Newcastle’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, a Cherries fan praised Truffert, leading Cundy to say: “You’re absolutely right – what a baller he is. I think he could be the best left-back in the country right now.”

Fellow pundit Jamie O’Hara said Hall and Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly should also be considered for that label, and Cundy responded: “By the way, [he] struggled a bit today, Lewis Hall, and I’m a big fan.

“Listen, Truffert will get a big move, and do you know who should go for him? Man Utd.

“I’ve seen him last season. This is not just me picking up for this season. He is a damn good left-back.

“I’ve seen enough of Truffert in the Premier League last season since [Milos] Kerkez has gone to Liverpool, I promise you.

“They [Man Utd] are after Lewis Hall, but I mean, Bournemouth will drive a hard bargain, but Man Utd need a left-back!”

One reason United did not sign a new left-back in the summer was that they did not want to block Hall’s route to joining at the end of the campaign.

But if Shaw suffers an injury in the months ahead, they may come to regret that choice.

According to the Daily Mail, United will need to bid at least £75million to sign Hall next summer.

The Englishman is believed to be interested in a move to Old Trafford, even though his family has close connections with Newcastle.