Last month, we released an exclusive confirming Newcastle United’s interest in Chelsea talent Lewis Hall.
Eddie Howe is a big admirer of the left-back – who can also operate in midfield – and had identified the youngster as a potential alternative to Kieran Tierney the club’s refusal to pay Arsenal’s inflated asking price.
However, the same source that informed us of our interest has offered an update on Chelsea’s stance, insisting that a summer sale is a ‘non-starter.’
They are well stocked at left-back, with Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella and Ian Maatsen back from an impressive loan spell with Burnley, but Hall is considered one of their most exciting young talents and a future star.
Not only does Pochettino have big plans for the player, they’re reluctant to sanction deals that would strengthen Newcastle; a side now considered a ‘big six’ rival following an impressive 18 months under new ownership. A loan is possible, but it’s unlikely they lend us a player they rate so highly.
Tierney could well remain at Arsenal after talks with Mikel Arteta and a string of impressive displays over pre-season, leaving Newcastle with a decision to make at left-back. If nothing changes on the availability of Tierney or Hall, there’s a real possibility the club pause their left-back pursuit and prioritise Tino Livramento – who can play down both flanks – and a right-sided centre-back able to compete with Fabian Schar in what remains of the window, with loans also likely to be on offer in the final fortnight of the window.
As we revealed in May, we were reluctant to meet Arsenal’s £35m asking price for Tierney. There could be late movement if their stance changes or the player pushes for a move for regular game time, but, as of now, Livramento and a centre-back look more likely.
Hall supported Newcastle as a kid – his father, grandfather and older brother are all avid Toon fans – but the Slough born defender is an academy graduate in no rush to leave as he bids to impress new boss Mauricio Pochettino. The possibility of a loan exit remains, yet it’s highly unlikely they help out a Newcastle side they’ll be looking to overtake this season.
He could be one to watch in future windows if he fails to get the regular game time he needs or Chelsea’s stance changes. As things stand, however, we may be forced to look elsewhere in our search for a new left-back.
If Chelsea saying “no” to a transfer has in anyway affected our window then I suspect our senior management may not be as bright as we thought they were.
Why on earth would Chelsea, or Spurs etc do us a favour in the transfer window by letting us buy someone that we thought was good enough to help our progress in the league?
It doesn’t make any sense.
Even if they need to sort out their finances for FFP, they are not going to let us have a player that can help us finish above them in the league, thus reducing their own revenue that they need to increase.
Freddd(Quote)