EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle identify Lewis Hall as left-back target with Eddie Howe a huge admirer

by Olly Hawkins · 21 July 2023, 10:41

Chelsea's Lewis Hall has emerged as an option in Newcastle's ongoing search for a new left-back.

Speaking to a source close to the club's recruitment team, we can exclusively reveal that Eddie Howe is a big admirer of Hall and has put forward the 18-year-old as a potential alternative to Kieran Tierney.

Hall, 18, is rated highly at Chelsea and wouldn't come cheap. A straight loan move is unlikely, with our 'big six' rivals reluctant to do us any favours, but that may become a possibility if an obligation to buy at the end of the 2023/24 season was inserted into a deal.

His versatility and tenacity is admired, as the England U19 star can also operate in midfield or on the left wing. Interestingly, the teenager is also represented by Wasserman; the same agency that look after Eddie Howe, Harvey Barnes and Valentino Livramento. His father, Colin Hall, and grandfather are also Newcastle United fans, as is his older brother Connor; who plays for National League side Solihull Moors.

Hall's first Premier League start came in Chelsea's 1-0 defeat at St James' Park last year, where he held his own in tough conditions, while he also impressed in our 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in May.

Elsewhere, 21-year-old Rennes winger Jeremy Doku has been put forward by the club's recruitment team as a younger, cheaper alternative to the departing Allan Saint-Maximin. The Belgian has pace to burn, huge potential and can play down either flank, although injuries have hampered his progress.

However, it's not clear if Newcastle will have the funds to sign another wide man after Harvey Barnes, even if our right-sided options are limited. He shone at EURO 2020 and had been linked with a move to Aston Villa prior to Moussa Diaby's imminent move. Man City are also thought to be keen on Doku, with another winger wanted as Riyad Mahrez looks set to for Saudi.

Doku bagged seven goals and four assists in 35 appearances last season and has represented his country 14 times. He joined Rennes from Anderlecht three years ago and is valued at £24m by Transfermarkt.