Newcastle United have thrown their hat into the ring to sign Chelsea wonderkid Lewis Hall on a season-long loan, according to a tweet from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Crystal Palace are in talks to sign the player on loan – but as their move seems to have ground to a halt, the door is now open for the Mags to swoop in and hijack the deal.

In Romano’s tweet, he wrote: “Newcastle are keen on signing Lewis Hall from Chelsea as new fullback — as Crystal Palace deal is in stand-by. Hall signed new six year deal at Chelsea but could leave on loan. Not easy to find way due to FFP but Newcastle interest is genuine.”

Where would Lewis Hall fit into the Newcastle United team?

Being a natural left-back, Hall would slot nicely into that role. This isn’t the only feather in his cap, however – he can also play at wide midfield on the left side and can also do a serviceable job at central midfield.

Nevertheless, it is unlikely that he would play anywhere other than left-back for Newcastle unless it is absolutely necessary. While he is a very technically gifted player, he is perhaps to inexperienced to be thrown into a full-blooded Premier League midfield battle.

Moreover, Eddie Howe’s formation does not accommodate wide midfielders – instead, he prefers to play advanced wingers, which is an unfamiliar role where Hall is concerned.

Will Hall be a first team player for the Magpies?

At the age of 18, it may be difficult for Hall to break into the first team. However, the Toon are currently lacking in options at left-back, with Dan Burn being primarily used an auxiliary in that position.

Should Hall make the jump to St. James’ Park, he would also need to compete with Tino Livramento, who was recently snapped up by Newcastle from Southampton for a fee of £32 million.

He has a natural advantage over Livramento – Hall is left-footed, while the former Saints man is a right-footer. Howe tends to not use inverted full-backs, which may see Livramento being used as a backup to Kieran Trippier at right-back, rather than a first-choice left-back.