Chelsea academy graduate close to permanent exit

Chelsea welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge on Monday evening. 

Pressure is building on Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino after a disappointing start to life in his role.

The Blues have won just ten of their 26 Premier League matches so far this season and also lost the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley last month.

Currently sitting 11th in the standings, the West London club are in danger of failing to improve on last season’s 12th-placed finish.

Ahead of their visit to Stamford Bridge, Magpies boss Eddie Howe has revealed that the club will soon sign a player from Chelsea.

Howe revealed in the build up to the game that Lewis Hall is set to join the North East outfit permanently.

“I can confirm that Lewis Hall’s permanent move is close to being triggered,” Howe said, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

“He will stay here for many years to come.”

Hall is expected to make his Newcastle switch permanent this summer

Hall, 19, moved to St. James’ Park last summer, on an initial season-long loan deal.

It was apparent at the time that Newcastle would have the option to make the move permanent, and Howe has now revealed that they will do exactly that.

Hall had made 12 appearances for the Blues at senior level after graduating through their academy, and since moving north he has played 11 times for Howe’s side.

The teenager’s versatility will likely have appealed to Howe when scouting the player, with Hall able to operate in a number of different roles including central midfield and left-back.

The Magpies also boast fellow former Chelsea defender Tino Livramento, who they signed from Southampton last year.