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Newcastle United are on the verge of sealing a deal to sign Chelsea full-back Lewis Hall.
According to transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey, Newcastle United are close to signing Lewis Hall. Crystal Palace had been set to take the player on loan from Stamford Bridge, but the Magpies look to have successfully hijacked the move, with Hall opting for Newcastle.
This news comes amid the Tyneside outfit’s well-publicised search for a new left-back, which has seen them linked with Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney, amongst others.
Whilst Hall wouldn’t arrive at St James’ Park with the experience that Tierney, for example, can boast, the 18-year-old is a hugely talented prospect with enormous potential. The England under-21 international has certainly been able to impress in his limited opportunities for Chelsea.
Hall made nine Premier League appearances last season, and looked ready to take on the challenge of more regular involvement, as Chelsea icon Pat Nevin dubbed him a ‘special’ talent.
Hall to give Newcastle something new
The youngster would also represent an interest counter-point to Dan Burn, who was Eddie Howe’s regular first-choice left-back last season.
Burn, at 6’6” and with a history of playing in the heart of defence, is very solid defensively and is a reliable aerial presence. Hall, however, is a far more natural attacker, and possesses superior technical qualities. He will do more to help Newcastle progress the ball up the pitch and sustain their attacks.
It is something of a surprise that Chelsea are willing to allow Hall to depart at all. He fits the mould for the kind of player that Mauricio Pochettino would usually enjoy working with and developing. Whatever the reason for the Blues’ decision, though, Newcastle look set to benefit by acquiring one of the most promising left-backs in English football.
Hall will lend a new dimension to Howe’s defensive contingent, and has the raw talent to become a lynchpin in this Newcastle team for years to come.