Eddie Howe is set to add Lewis Hall to his Newcastle United squad, as he strengthens the left-back position at St James’ Park.
The 18-year-old is due to arrive on loan from Chelsea, before the deal becomes permanent next summer for £28million.
Hall has done his medical, while he was at the Etihad on Saturday night to see his new team lose 1-0 to Premier League champions Manchester City.
He will hope to train as soon as possible so that he has a chance to be involved against Liverpool on Sunday, with the Magpies due to welcome Jurgen Klopp and co to St James’ Park.
The teenager will do well to make his debut, as he will be competing with Dan Burn and Matt Targett for a place in Howe‘s side.
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However, Hall should become a regular at left-back in the long run. That will be Newcastle‘s aim, despite left-back not actually being his favoured position.
Lewis Hall’s preferred position is centre-midfield
According to the Athletic, Hall’s favourite role is as a box-to-box midfielder.
That is what he was described as during his formative days at Chelsea, and it is something for Howe to consider in the future. He is also capable of playing in a more advanced role as a left winger.
That is the type of versatility that Howe loves, and is probably a big reason why he was so attracted to Hall and keen to bring him to St James’ Park.
For now, he will be a left-back. While he might fancy himself as a centre-midfielder, we are spoilt for choice at the minute. We have so many options that Lewis Miley can’t even get on the bench, and this is while Joe Willock is still out with injury.
It is going to be exciting to see what Hall is capable of in a Toon shirt. And who knows, he might develop into a centre-midfielder in years to come once he has proven himself on Tyneside.