With just weeks remaining in the transfer market, Newcastle United are weighing up their options. Eddie Howe wants at least one more player, and it looks like it will be a left-back.
The Magpies have four options as it stands, with each deal representing a different degree of difficulty.
The main option appears to be Kieran Tierney, who is a long-term target for Howe. He was expected to sign for Newcastle earlier this summer, and is now being linked with a late loan move to St James’ Park.
However, there is an issue. The problem is Newcastle only have the finances to do a loan deal, whereas Arsenal are interested in selling the 26-year-old outright.
That might mean a transfer is unattainable, so Howe has an alternative lined up according to Sky Sports reporter Pete Graves.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Newcastle eye Lewis Hall instead of Kieran Tierney
Graves, who is a Newcastle fan, has taken to Twitter to provide an update on Newcastle’s interest in signing Lewis Hall from Chelsea.
He wrote: “NUFC are interested in Chelsea left back Lewis Hall as a possible alternative to Kieran Tierney. Eddie Howe rates the 18 year old who made 11 first team appearances last season, but was left out of the Chelsea squad for their season opener on Sunday.”
Problems everywhere Newcastle turn
More and more outlets are talking about Newcastle’s interest in Hall, so it appears that the 18-year-old is a genuine target.
However, there is an issue when it comes to him as well. Chelsea are not interested in selling the ‘special‘ player, as he is very highly rated in West London.
While that is Chelsea’s current stance, Newcastle must have some belief that a deal can be done, otherwise they would not waste their time trying to land the 18-year-old. Perhaps there is some room for manoeuvre, especially with Chelsea potentially needing to sell following mega money deals for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
But with every player Newcastle target, there appears to be an issue. Arsenal only want to sell Tierney permanently. Chelsea don’t want to sell Hall. They do want rid of Marc Cucurella, but his wages are likely too high for Newcastle. Juan Miranda is the latest name linked, but a huge sell-on clause in his contract creates issues just like it did for Tino Livramento.
Everywhere Newcastle turn there are issues. They have four left-back targets, and each represents a different degree of difficulty.
It remains to be seen who is Howe’s first choice, but Sky Sports believe that he really rates Hall, and that he is an alternative to Tierney.