'It's huge' - Eddie Howe drops hint as Newcastle United agree permanent transfer signing

Eddie Howe admits Lewis Hall has given him 'food for thought' ahead of Newcastle United's Premier League clash against Everton on Tuesday night (kick-off 7:30pm).

The 19-year-old was among the players to make a huge impact from the bench on Saturday as the Magpies came from 3-1 down to beat West Ham United 4-3. Harvey Barnes grabbed the headlines for his brace but Hall also emerged with lots of credit following an all action display down the left.

Hall has only featured four times in 2024 but is now pushing for his first start since November having also impressed during the FA Cup exit to Manchester City before the international break.

Asked about Hall's recent form, Howe said: "It's huge for him and it's huge for us because he's done an incredible amount of work behind the scenes to work on various aspects of his game as we would with any young player.

"He's come on today and made a real difference and I thought he came on against Manchester City and did really well. That's his part of the bargain, when he plays he has to do well enough to try and stay in so he's given me a lot of food for thought."

Hall is currently on loan from Chelsea which will be made permanent for an initial £28million this summer when the performance related criteria is officially met.

Indeed, Hall has endured a difficult start to his Newcastle career with only four of his 13 appearances resulting in starts. He was brought off at half-time in three of those - the exception being when he scored in United's Carabao Cup win away to Manchester United - but Howe has never doubted the England youth international's ability.

Speaking previously, Howe said: “In terms of my thinking, I’m preparing for Lewis to be at Newcastle for many years. He was always brought in with a long-term view, not as a short-term signing. He is a long-term signing.

“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. He’s got a couple of things to continue working on as all the players have. I believe in him. My vision for him is he will be at Newcastle for many years.

“Sometimes, and I know it’s a rare commodity these days, we just need some patience. We just need to wait to develop players. There’s no magic wand, but time and good work on the training pitch. Players develop at different speeds, but we’re delighted with the progress he’s made.

“When you look at someone of that age moving away from home - regardless of the fact they’re a footballer - 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."