Newcastle United transfers: Chelsea defender Lewis Hall has emerged as a potential target for the Magpies this summer.

Newcastle are in the market for defensive additions during the summer window and with a focus on bringing in younger players that can bolster the options at Eddie Howe’s disposal, Lewis Hall’s name has cropped up as a potential player of interest. Hall enjoyed a breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge last season and impressed in the league and cup appearances he was given an opportunity in.

The 18-year-old has represented England at youth level, however, with huge competition at Stamford Bridge this season, he may see his game time slightly limited. Alongside Hall, the Blues have Marc Cucurella, Ben Chillwell and Ian Maatsen as options and as new boss Mauricio Pochettino recently admitted, the club may have too many options for just one position: “All of the players start from zero. It’s about competing.” Pochettino said.

“We have him [Cucurella] and Chilly also, and they need to compete for this position. Of course Ian, and Lewis, we have four players that play the same position.

“That is the balance we were talking about before. We need to add players as maybe in another position we miss some players and in that position we have four and sometimes the squad is unbalanced.

“We need to build a balanced squad to have the possibility to compete for a position but not have players who are going to be the third or fourth option to play and it is going to be impossible for one position, for four players to play for one place.”

This could hand Newcastle a major advantage if they want to secure Hall’s signature this summer with Chelsea, who have already seen a big turnaround in personnel this summer, potentially open to letting him leave the club this summer. Whilst Hall’s talent means Newcastle’s interest is a no-brainer, a deal for the teenager will likely be an expensive one with his ability, potential and current contract state meaning Chelsea won’t want to lose him without being very well compensated.

Maatsen, who was also referenced by Pochettino, has been linked with a return to Burnley after he impressed whilst on-loan at Turf Moor in the Championship last season.

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Burnley are keen to re-sign former loanee Ian Maatsen from Chelsea this summer.

Burnley are keen to re-sign Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen following his successful time at Turf Moor on loan last campaign, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Is Ian Maatsen going to Burnley?

According to The Sun, Maatsen is wanted by Burnley and Vincent Kompany’s men are chasing his signature despite the Netherlands Under-21 international featuring for Chelsea in pre-season.

The 21-year-old is out of contract at Stamford Bridge in 2024 and Burnley are said to be trying to land Maatsen for a cut-price fee of £10 million with add-ons included.

Last term, Maatsen was on loan at Turf Moor and enjoyed a superb campaign as Burnley strolled to the Sky Bet Championship title, registering four goals and six assists in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

As per The Athletic, Maatsen is also being considered by West Ham United as David Moyes aims to bolster the left hand side of his defence this window.

Nottingham Forest are another side that have put their hat in the ring to land Maatsen; however, he has stated his willingness to stay at Chelsea in a recent interview cited by The Daily Mail.

Following Chelsea’s 5-0 victory over Wrexham last week where he scored twice, Maatsen said: “‘I try to do my best. It’s all I can do. Of course I want to stay. If I prove that every day in training and work hard in the matches, they’ll decide. Hopefully I can stay here.”

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has detailed that Burnley remain interested in Maatsen despite baulking at Chelsea’s earlier £20 million asking price for the full-back.

Jacobs told FFC: “There is interest obviously from Burnley because he was on loan there last season, but talks a few weeks back between Burnley and Chelsea were honing in around the £20 million mark and Burnley saw that as too high. West Ham are also looking at the player too.”

What next for Burnley?

Burnley have already started their preparations for the Premier League campaign by bringing in James Trafford, Jordan Beyer, Nathan Redmond, Dara O’Shea, Zeki Amdouni and Lawrence Vigoroux. Republic of Ireland international Michael Obafemi has also joined the Clarets permanently, as per Transfermarkt.

Coventry City star Gustavo Hamer could be next to pitch up at Turf Moor in a deal worth £15 million that could see one of Luke McNally or Bobby Thomas head in the opposite direction to join the Sky Blues, as per The Daily Mail.

Burnley aren’t showing any sign of halting their recruitment drive and have reportedly had a bid in excess of £10 million turned down for Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, TEAMtalk understands.

Clarke is said to be unhappy at Sunderland for going against their word and turning down the proposal as he seeks a move to the English top flight to continue his development.

Wolfsburg midfielder Aster Vranckx is garnering attention from Burnley and Fulham this summer and the Bundesliga outfit would demand around ‘at least €10 million’ for the 20-year-old, according to DH via Sport Witness.

Excitingly, Burnley fans look like they will be able to welcome a few new signings yet ahead of 2023/24 getting underway from a competitive standpoint.