Newcastle United do like the idea of signing Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall this summer.
That is according to well-respected journalist Simon Phillips.
Philips has claimed on his Substack that “Newcastle do have an interest” in Chelsea’s Lewis Hall.
However, he adds that any decision on his future will depend on what the player wants, plus the wishes of the club and head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Hall, who’s just 18, made a fantastic first-team breakthrough at Stamford Bridge last season.
The versatile teenager was getting regular minutes in the senior line-up by the end of the previous campaign, proving that the academy continues to produce huge young talent.
Most Chelsea supporters have watched him perform well at left-back. He’s traditionally been a central midfielder in the youth ranks, though.
We’re not overly surprised to hear speculation that Newcastle want to sign the left-footed Englishman, but there’s no way Chelsea should let him go on a permanent basis this summer.
Our biggest concern regarding Hall is whether Chelsea can convince him to stay without the guarantee of regular first-team minutes.
Newcastle are certainly an attractive club right now, who are climbing the Premier League and can offer Champions League football at St James’ Park in the new season.
We guess Newcastle boss Eddie Howe would have room for him in his squad. In contrast, the competition for Chelsea’s left-back spot is stacked with the likes of Ben Chilwell, Ian Maatsen and Marc Cucurella.
If Hall wants to play consistently next season, perhaps forcing his way in as a midfielder could be the best solution under Mauricio Pochettino.
Described as “magnificent” and “a gem” by Micah Richards on Sky Sports’ Main Event channel (10:30pm, 9 November), Hall’s future will be very intriguing to follow in the next few weeks.