Newcastle
have completed the transfer of Lewis Hall from Chelsea on loan with an
obligation to buy in deal worth up to £35m.
The club will pay £28m to Chelsea on completion of the season-long loan,
with potential £7m in add-ons.
Hall, a boyhood Newcastle fan, said: "I'm very proud. Me and my family are
Newcastle fans, and for me and my brother growing up, it was drilled into us
that we were Newcastle. It's a big club and I can't wait to get started.
"I got a lot of experience last year in some big fixtures and I was really
proud of the way I progressed as a player and a person. To now be here at
Newcastle, the club that I've supported since I was a kid, I'm honoured and
very proud to wear this shirt.
"It's very exciting. When you look back on last season and the way the team
performed - not just the results, but the performances the team were putting
in - it was amazing.
"There's so many talented players and we've got the Champions League now as
well so there's many different competitions that I know the team will be
wanting to do well in, and hopefully get a trophy or two as well."
The deferred payment allows Newcastle to comply with FFP restrictions this
summer. Howe said last week that they would have to be creative to sign
another player.
The 18-year-old recently agreed in principle a new long-term contract with
the Blues. Hall, who has featured for England U21s, made his Premier League
debut for Chelsea last season and went on to make nine appearances in the
top flight.
Head coach Eddie Howe said: "I'm delighted to welcome Lewis to Newcastle
United. He is a player we have tracked closely, as have a number of clubs,
so it's very pleasing to secure him and to add a player of his quality,
versatility and high potential to our squad.
"I'd like to thank everyone involved for their tireless work to bring in the
players we have.
"A lot of time, effort and resource goes into a transfer window, but we have
a real togetherness at all levels here and I appreciate that teamwork and
support."
Have Newcastle moved on from Tierney? |
Arteta: He's part of our plans
Last week, Sky Sports News reported Newcastle retained an interest in
Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney.
The 26-year-old was left out of the matchday squad for the season opener
against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Matters have been complicated with new Gunners signing Jurrien Timber facing
a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate
ligament injury during the 2-1 victory against Forest.
However, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hinted in his press conference ahead of
his side's Monday Night Football game against Crystal Palace that the
Scotland international was still part of his plans going forward.
"He played the [Community Shield] final, no? A player that plays five days
before in the final is part of the plans, for sure.
"I hope so [he is disappointed to be left out of league squad]."
Inter target Chalobah out for a few weeks
Trevoh Chalobah is expected to be out for a few more weeks with a hamstring
problem.
The Chelsea centre-back hobbled off during the pre-season game against
Fulham in the USA and his injury has now been fully assessed.
Chalobah's injury is not serious, and he is expected to be back to full
fitness before the end of the transfer window - opening up the possibility
of a move towards the end of August.
Chalobah's future has been uncertain this summer, with huge competition for
places in Mauricio Pochettino's plans.
The club have two left-footed centre-backs in Benoit Badiashile and Levi
Colwill.
Chalobah has interest from other clubs and Chelsea may be willing to listen
to offers in the final weeks of the window.
Sky in Italy say he is on the list at Inter Milan along with a number of
other Premier League centre-backs.
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