Chelsea have completely changed their mind about Lewis Hall, who Newcastle United have been trying to sign all summer.
The 18-year-old looks to be on the brink of a move from Stamford Bridge to St James’ Park.
It was reported on Wednesday that Hall was open to joining Newcastle, with the defender keen to play regularly under Eddie Howe and experience Champions League football.
Then came news that a fee had been agreed, with the Magpies set to pay an initial £28million for the teenager.
It is the breakthrough that Howe has been hoping for, with the Newcastle boss keen for Toon officials to give him one more new signing.
It looks like it is going to be Hall, who is a player that Newcastle have been chasing all summer. However, only now have Chelsea decided to sell.
Chelsea change their mind about Lewis Hall
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has been speaking BBC’s Transfer Gossip Daily podcast, where he told listeners that Chelsea had previously decided that they would not be dealing with Newcastle when it came to Hall.
“I find it quite an interesting story this one because Newcastle were actually told in pretty much no uncertain terms that earlier in this window that Chelsea would not deal with them on Lewis Hall,” he said.
“Lewis Hall is 18. One of the latest of a string of impressive academy graduates from Chelsea, who signed a new contract only a couple of weeks ago until 2030.
“Newcastle don’t have £30million to spend at the moment. That is all the information, that they have been pretty consistent on that the last few weeks, on and off the record.”
Newcastle are in luck as Chelsea back down
Chelsea have completely changed their mind. One minute they would not negotiate at all with Newcastle over Hall, but now the Magpies have agreed a fee. It just shows how quickly things can change in the transfer window – especially when you need to balance the books after splashing out more than £100million on a midfielder!
The other interesting thing that Edwards noted is Newcastle’s insistence that they do not have another £30million to spend. That is why the club were looking for loan deals with either an option or an obligation to buy
So either Newcastle have suddenly found the money required, or the deal is going to be structured in a way that allows the Magpies to afford Hall right now. There is currently no hint that it could be an initial loan.
Once this deal is finalised, it will be interesting to see whether or not that is Newcastle done for business with regards to new signings this summer.