'A chance' - £15m defender set for Newcastle United transfer after rare St James' Park appearance

The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Watford but returned to Tyneside at the beginning of July after the Championship club opted against triggering the clause to make his move permanent.

Unlike Ryan Fraser and Isaac Hayden, who have trained away from the first-team following their respective loan spells at Southampton and QPR, Lewis has been re-integrated himself into Howe’s squad.

The left-back played in friendlies against SpVgg Unterhaching, Hull City and Yokohama F.Marinos. He then played 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Stade Brestois as Howe named two different XIs for the Sela weekender.

It was Lewis’ first St James’ Park since appearing in Howe’s first win as United head coach against Burnley in December 2021.

When asked if Lewis would part of Howe’s plans this campaign, Howe told BBC Radio Newcastle: “Yeah I think he could be. While he’s here we’ll treat him with the respect he definitely deserves from how he’s conducted himself, trained and played. He’s had a good pre-season.

“But there is also a chance he could end up leaving the football club but we’ll work with Jamal to find the solution he wants for his career.”

Despite Howe refusing to rule out Lewis staying, the expectation is that the player will leave - either on loan or permanently.

Lewis joined from Norwich City for £15million in 2020 and has gone on to make 36 competitive appearances. He is out-of-contract at the end of the campaign.