EDDIE HOWE insists it’s “nailed on” that Lewis Hall WILL be a Newcastle player next season.
Toon have agreed to pay Chelsea £28million this summer following the end of his season-long loan.
The situation is complicated given left-back Hall, 19, has not met all the criteria for the move to be made permanent.
Given the highly-rated youngster has only made 11 appearances across all competitions, it was thought the Magpies may send him back to Stamford Bridge.
But Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “It’s nailed on. I’m preparing for Lewis to be at Newcastle for many years.
“He was always brought in with a long-term view and I’m delighted because he has many qualities we are looking for.
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“Something we just need some patience. Players develop at different speeds, but we’re delighted with the progress he’s made.
“We have always believed in him and his quality, and we have been working really hard with him on his game. He’s a really talented lad. I believe in him and my vision is that he will be here for many years.”
Fans have questioned why Howe has been so reluctant to play Hall, especially given the injury crisis that has dogged their campaign.
Yet the Mags manager admits it has been a tricky adaptation for the boyhood Newcastle supporter to move from London to the North East at such a young age.
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Howe added: “I have no doubt it’s been hard. When you look at someone of that age moving away from home, you can’t underestimate the challenges that come with that.
“He’s handled himself really well and it’s been a season of growth for him although the external view would not necessarily have seen that.
“We have seen that internally so it’s been a really powerful, positive year for him. A lot of work has been put into him and I do believe in him long-term.”
Howe also revealed that club captain Jamaal Lascelles has triggered a one-year contract extension to extend his stay on Tyneside.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
