Eddie Howe has used Lewis Hall sparingly since his arrival from Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
Eddie Howe has refused to confirm whether or not Newcastle will sign Lewis Hall on a permanent basis at the end of the season.
It appeared as if the Magpies had pulled off a major coup by bringing the teenager to St James’ Park after he made a major breakthrough at Chelsea last season.
Moving to Newcastle, the club he supported as a boy, looked like a dream move for Hall but he has found first team opportunities hard to come by.
Indeed, the versatile left-back has made just six appearances so far this season and on his only start, which came in a 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth, he was taken off at half-time.
Despite a lengthening injury list, Hall appears unlikely to start against Fulham this weekend even taking into account Kieran Trippier’s suspension.
Lewis Hall made a breakthrough at Chelsea last season before his loan move to Newcastle (Picture: Getty)
Newcastle will pay £28m in the summer if Hall meets ‘performance criteria’ but that is increasingly in doubt with Dan Burn returning to fitness and Tino Livramento ahead of his fellow Chelsea academy graduace in the left back position.
Howe said: ‘You’re asking the wrong man. I’m not 100 per cent sure,’, when asked about the details of the targets Hall has to meet.
‘He explained: ‘Lewis is a really talented player and has huge technical qualities. He is creative and has a very good final delivery.
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‘He is a really good attacking full back. “He’s got certain things to learn defensively which we are working on with him.
‘But he’s a young age and recently converted to left back. He may need a little time to get that defensive solidity that we’re looking for.’
Asked who would make the final decision, Howe said: ‘It’s not mine. He’s here now. He’s a Newcastle player. I think there’s certain criteria he has to meet.’
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