'Pretty soon' - Newcastle United first summer signing announcement teased after deal triggered

Eddie Howe hopes to provide an update on Lewis Hall’s future “pretty soon” with left-back preparing to join Newcastle United on a permanent basis.

The Magpies have an obligation to turn Hall’s loan from Chelsea into a permanent one this summer for an initial £28million under certain performance-related criteria. It’s understood the criteria has been triggered but Newcastle are yet to provide official confirmation.

But Howe has suggested his move could be announced soon. Asked by NewcastleWorld if the criteria had been met, Howe replied: “Hopefully we can give you an update on that pretty soon.”

The 19-year-old made just four starts in his opening six months on Tyneside, leading to speculation over his St James’ Park future and his suitability. However, Hall has found his feet during the latter part of the campaign. His starring against Manchester United in midweek was his sixth start in just over a month.

Howe said: “I think for any player when you come to a new club, especially for someone so young, it’s natural there will be a settling-in period and adjustment, not just in terms of the training but in terms of his life is, how he feels, how comfortable he feels.

“There is always a process to go through, you don’t just land here… even Bruno [Guimaraes], he didn’t just land here and play straight away, he had to adjust and people forget that. I think he’s done really well to commit and have consistency in his work even when no doubt he was frustrated that things weren’t happening from him quicker than he wanted.

“But I think that’s the same for any player, he did really well at Old Trafford and showed a lot of maturity for someone so young and I’m delighted with where his game is at, at the moment.”

This week Slough-born Hall opened up on his early season struggles. He said: “Looking back on it (time out the team), it’s made me a lot stronger mentally than before. When I first came, if I’m being honest, I’m not sure I was myself when on the pitch. 

“I wasn’t at the level I could’ve been at in training. That comes from travelling so far from home and living on your own. It was difficult. As training went on, I started to show signs of improvement. The gaffer and all the coaches were helping me. 

“After a few months, I felt like I was developing a rhythm in training and then it was (the case of) patiently waiting for my opportunity. It’s (Howe training) incredibly difficult - a lot harder than I thought it would be. Tactically and technically, you have to be superb and know exactly what he (Howe) wants you to do. 

“It took me a while to adapt but I’m grateful for everything now. There’s a potential price tag at the end of the season. With me not playing, I could understand why fans, naturally, wondered what was going on. But for me, I’ve left that down to people behind the scenes. I want to help the team in whatever way I can.”