Newcastle United manager has hinted that there is a chance Chelsea loanee Lewis Hall could actually make a shock return to his parent club at the end of the season.
He told journalist Craig Hope that the terms required for his obligation to be signed have not yet been met, meaning he does not yet have to be signed by his boyhood club.
Hall was one of the more surprising sales of the summer, especially as the news came just weeks after he had signed a long-term deal to remain at Stamford Bridge.
However, £28m for a player who was only 18 at the time was too much to refuse for the club owners, who are continuing to look to balance the books after their luscious spending so far.
This has seen some other deals which only a year ago looked truly remarkable. The notable example of this is Mason Mount, who has ended up at Manchester United.
While many will have began to think of a future without the promising Hall, Howe today has begun to cast doubt over whether the obligation will be taken up.
Hall could return to Chelsea
Hope said: “Eddie Howe can’t confirm if Chelsea loanee Lewis Hall will be a Newcastle player next season. Says the decision isn’t his as certain criteria have to be met (£28m obligation to buy existed at time of deal).”
The left-back role at Chelsea this season has currently been occupied mostly by a player who is actually a natural centre-back.
Levi Colwill has been forced to play out of position by Mauricio Pochettino due to injury, however this has seen one first team star overlooked.
Ian Maatsen has hardly been afforded a kick this season, and looks likely to be on the move in January after not committing his future to Stamford Bridge.
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