Newcastle United are planning for a busy summer with changes expected to the first-team squad.
The Magpies have triggered one-year contract extensions for Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles in recent weeks with the defensive duo now remaining at St James' Park until the summer of 2025. However, there are still further decisions to be made with four first-team players out-of-contract at the end of the campaign. Two players out on loan will definitely leave the club with their respective deals expiring in June.
But it is talk of potential arrivals that pique Newcastle fans' interest and the summer transfer business is expected to begin with the permanent arrival of Lewis Hall from Chelsea.
Newcastle have an obligation to buy Hall for £28million plus £7m in add-ons if certain performance-related criteria is met. However, the 19-year-old's lack of game time has created an air of confusion over his future.
Hall has made just 11 appearances for United having last started a game in November - the 2-0 defeat away to AFC Bournemouth. His last appearance was as a late substitute against Manchester City in January.
But when asked if Hall signing permanently was 'nailed on' this summer, United boss Eddie Howe said: "Yeah, I think so. That's why I'm preparing for him to be here long term and I'm delighted with that because he has many qualities that we're looking for.
“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 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."
Hall will sign a long-term contract when he officially joins and on that subject, NewcastleWorld has taken a look at when every player's contract expires - with six players on course to leave the club as free agents, as it stands:
1. Elliot Anderson - N/A
Signed a ‘long-term’ deal in September 2022.
2. Anthony Gordon - N/A
Newcastle didn’t disclose the length of Gordon's contract when he signed from Everton just over 12 months ago.
3. Harrison Ashby - N/A
Similar to Gordon, the club didn’t reveal Ashby's contract length. Currently on loan at Swansea City.
4. Lewis Hall - TBC
Newcastle have triggered a permanent deal for Hall - currently on loan from Chelsea - after meeting the performance related criteria. He will sign a long-term contract this summer.