Newcastle United edge closer to Lewis Hall signing after star says goodbye to staff

Newcastle United are keen to add a layer of cover to the left-back area and see Lewis Hall as the perfect fit

Newcastle United are hoping to clinch their deal for Lewis Hall after making progress on the chase for his signature throughout the day.

The Magpies have been involved in complex discussions with Chelsea with the London club recently agreeing a seven year contract at Stamford Bridge with Hall. But Chelsea’s stance changed once it became clear that Newcastle were prepared to pay a big fee for the highly-rated left-sided player.

A move for Hall to Crystal Palace was delayed last week when Newcastle moved in for the teenager. Hall shares the same agency with Howe and has been impressed by the work done on Tyneside since the ex-Bournemouth boss came in.

The deal has still not been rubber-stamped but 18-year-old Hall is understood to have said his goodbyes to some staff at Chelsea today in anticipation of the move being completed. Hall – whose dad is a Newcastle fan – is keen on the move and the chance to work with Eddie Howe.

Mauricio Pochettino was hoping that Hall would stay but the youngster has Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella and Ian Maatsen ahead of him at Chelsea. At Newcastle, he will be able to seriously challenge Matt Targett and Dan Burn in that area with first-team opportunities up for grabs.

Howe said last week: “I’d love one more player, that’s what I’d love personally, and I think then we’d have the ideal depth, but let’s wait and see. ‘From my position, it is important, it is something I would like to do.

“But I would adapt and find a way to manage any situation if it’s not ideal. You never get everything that you ideally want.”