Lewis Hall speaks out on Man Utd interest & future plans after signing Newcastle deal

Lewis Hall has broken his silence on the Manchester United interest that followed him throughout the summer, insisting the speculation never affected him as he committed his long-term future to Newcastle United.

The 22-year-old has now signed a new contract at St James’ Park until 2031, with the two-year extension and pay rise reflecting his prominence in Matthias Jaissle's squad.

Hall: Man Utd interest didn't impact me 

Hall was repeatedly linked with Manchester United throughout the summer, with Fabrizio Romano previously reporting that the Old Trafford club had identified the left-back as a major target.

However, despite the interest, Hall has now made it clear that the speculation never distracted him.

Speaking to the Shields Gazette's Charlie Bennett after his man of the match display in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Hull, Hall said:

“No, honestly, it didn't (affect me). I guess whenever you're linked with another team, you know that you're doing something right. 

"I guess it's just a credit to your own performances and how you are as a player, how you are as a person. So I took that as a positive.

“At the same time, I knew how much I loved playing here, and since the manager came in, I knew the ambitions and what we wanted to achieve. 

"After not many conversations, not many training sessions, I knew that the manager was going to be really good for this club."

“And I knew that as a team, bringing in new players and increasing the squad was really important. So it (the contract) was a no-brainer to sign.”

Hall hoping for long-term stay 

The new contract represents Hall's commitment at a time when Newcastle have seen several major first-team players leave during the summer, with Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon all departing.

Hall was also asked if he can reach his ambitions on Tyneside, believing he will remain at the club for a "long time" if we can achieve those together.

“Yeah, I think so. When you're at a team, you don't think too far into the future. 

"Obviously, I'm really grateful for the contract that I received and the chance that I've been given from the board, the manager and everything like that.

“But yeah, I'm just taking it game by game at a time (and) trying to do the best I can for this club. 

"We've got ambitions and, as long as we achieve these ambitions and achieve what we want to achieve, I'm sure I'll be here for a long time."

After an impressive start to the new campaign, an England recall and his goal against Hull, Hall appears firmly focused on what comes next at St James’ Park rather than what could have happened at Old Trafford.