Manchester United have opened discussions with Club Brugge over left-back Joaquin Seys, according to The Sun, as the club appear to be stepping back from their long-standing pursuit of Lewis Hall ahead of the transfer window's close.

The Red Devils have made modest additions this summer, bringing in Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos for a combined outlay of under £50 million. That cost-conscious approach now appears to be shaping their search for a full-back, with Hall expected to command a fee of upwards of £50 million — partly driven by the ongoing fire sale at Newcastle United.

Why Seys makes sense

Seys, 21, represents a far more affordable alternative at around £30 million. The Club Brugge defender featured for Belgium during their quarter-final run at the World Cup this summer and has already gained experience in the UEFA Champions League. He has also made six appearances for the Belgian national side, and has attracted reported interest from Liverpool and Chelsea.

FourFourTwo understands that Hall had been identified as an ideal upgrade — capable of inverting into midfield, operating as a traditional overlapping full-back, and offering strong defensive qualities. However, his likely price tag has pushed United toward less expensive options.

The Shaw factor and squad depth

The need for reinforcement at left-back is underlined by the fitness record of Luke Shaw, the club's longest-serving player. Despite featuring in every Premier League match last season, the 31-year-old managed only seven appearances the season before that, and has completed 30 or more games in a campaign just three times across 12 seasons at Old Trafford.

United must also weigh the role of Patrick Dorgu, who has impressed in the Premier League this term and could develop into the first-choice option at left-back — though the Dane has also been used further forward.

A bigger picture at Old Trafford

Having been eliminated at the first round of both domestic cup competitions last season, United played only 40 games in total. A return to the UEFA Champions League this term means the squad will require greater depth across positions. FourFourTwo reports that the club are still assessing potential moves in midfield, at right-back, and possibly on the left wing.

Transfermarkt values Seys at €20 million. United open their league campaign against Hull City on the first day of the season.