Chelsea were said to be keen on bringing left-back Lewis Hall back to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Lewis Hall during a pre-season friendly match between Gateshead and Newcastle United.
Lewis Hall has been linked with a move away from Newcastle. (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Chelsea have been handed a transfer blow with reports suggesting that left-back Lewis Hall isn't keen on a return to the club. The England international has been linked with a move away from Newcastle United this summer, with Manchester United showing an interest.
It's reported that Hall is keen on a move away from Newcastle in the summer transfer window. There has been drama at St James' Park over the last few days with the exit of manager Eddie Howe, with Matthias Jaissle expected to be his replacement.
Hall has been a key player for the Magpies since he moved from Stamford Bridge three years ago. But a move back to the club already seems to have been ruled out, despite interest being there.
Journalist Simon Phillips reports that Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso showed an interest in Hall, but the player himself didn't want to make the move back to the club.
It is further suggested that "it does look like it will be the case" that Hall will end up at Manchester United. Should that prove accurate, it would represent a significant coup for Michael Carrick as he assembles his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Hall made 46 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle last season, narrowly missing out on a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup. A fee of around £60 million has been mooted, with the defender still having three years left to run on his contract at St James' Park.
Lewis Hall during the pre season training session.
Lewis Hall is reportedly unsettled at Newcastle. (Image: Serena Taylor, Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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He came through the academy ranks at Chelsea, making 12 first-team appearances for the club before completing a loan move to Newcastle in 2023. The transfer was made permanent a year later for £28 million, plus £7 million in add-ons.
Chelsea are reported to have a sell-on clause as part of the deal, but did not include a buy-back clause, meaning they would need to bid alongside United and any other interested parties should they wish to complete the transfer.
However, without the player's blessing, they are likely to withdraw, giving United the opportunity to make their move. The sell-on clause will though give them some benefit from the transfer if it goes through.
Chelsea's transfer business so far this summer has seen some more expereienced players come through the door. The Blues have completed the signings of 35-year-old Danny Welbeck and 36-year-old Jordan Henderson.
A move for Crystal Palace's Maxine Lacroix, who is 26 years old has also been completed. They join the £117 million signing Morgan Rogers at Stamford Bridge as the new season draws closer.