Newcastle agree deal with Chelsea for £35m teen and Howe delivers clear update on transfer plans | OneFootball

Newcastle United are set to sign Lewis Hall.

Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Premier League rivals Chelsea over a deal for teenage defender Lewis Hall, according to reports.

The PA news agency are of the understanding that discussions over the 18-year-old’s move to Newcastle United have reached a successful conclusion and that he will become the club’s fourth signing of the summer.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe confirmed his interest in Hall at his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, and he revealed that the move would be an initial loan.

Asked about the player, Howe said: “Let’s wait and see what happens today. He’s a player that I like, very versatile, really good potential.”

Asked further if the move would be on a loan basis after admitting last week that the club would have to be “creative” in following up summer swoops for Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento, Howe added: “Yes, I think it is, yes.”

This has been backed up by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. He has stated: “Lewis Hall to Newcastle, here we go! Loan deal with mandatory buy option clause — medical booked later today.

“A total package worth £35m add-ons included. Hall leaves after signing a new deal at #CFC a few days ago.”

Howe also confirmed that completion of the deal would effectively bring an end to the club’s incoming transfer business.

He said: “I think if we were able to bring a player in, that would be our transfer business concluded unless there were injuries within our own players.”

Summer signing Sandro Tonali enjoyed a dream debut for Newcastle as he scored in their 5-1 victory over Aston Villa last weekend.

Howe thinks the midfielder’s positive debut “can only help him” moving forward.

“The start is hugely important because it settles everyone down. You could see when he scored, the emotion coming out,” Howe said.

“The rest of his performance followed that, where he was excellent. Hopefully now he’ll feel the love of the supporters and there will be an instant connection – that can only help him.”

On starting Alexander Isak over Callum Wilson against Aston Villa, he added: “It was very difficult. One of those calls that I didn’t look forward to making out of my love for Callum. My relationship with him is very strong and he’s been outstanding for me as a manager.

“To make those calls and disappoint someone you love is very difficult. I had to make a call, and Alex performed really well and so did Callum; they both scored. Getting off the mark is important.”