Lewis Hall looks set to be joined by two other key Newcastle United stars in signing a new contract after Matthias Jaissle's influence
Two more Newcastle United stars appear set to follow Lewis Hall in agreeing a new contract
Two more Newcastle United stars appear set to follow Lewis Hall in agreeing a new contract(Image: (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images))
Newcastle United are reportedly planning contract extension talks for Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock after agreeing a new long-term deal with Lewis Hall. The Magpies' left-back was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United during the transfer window, but he has now seemingly committed his future to Newcastle.
Hall has made a superb start to the new season under Matthias Jaissle and is arguably now the club's most important player following exits for Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
That trio departed for well over £200million during the summer trading period, and yet Newcastle's windfall from sales could have been raised even further by Murphy and Willock. The latter was the subject of a £17m bid from Besiktas, while Nottingham Forest saw two offers rejected for Murphy.
The duo have entered the final 12 months of their respective contracts and, subsequently, talks over fresh deals will take place, according to The Daily Mail. Jaissle has reportedly communicated his desire to see them stay as he sees value in both.
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That stance is likely in relation to minutes he plans to give them but also to ensure Newcastle do not lose the pair on free transfers next summer. Murphy has started both Carabao Cup games while Willock has started every match since his goal off the bench against Liverpool on the opening day.
The injury to William Osula has seen Yoane Wissa move into the striker spot with Willock filling his role in the No.10. However, he now faces stiff competition from deadline day signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who made his debut in last weekend's 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.
The Magpies followed that up by beating Millwall in the cup with Willock turning home a Hall cross. When asked if it was because of moments like that that he chose to keep the former, Jaissle simply replied: "Yes."
Joe Willock in action
Joe Willock has been superb under Matthias Jaissle
He had previously stated on Willock and Murphy: "I think now we have a well-balanced squad. The lads were doing good in the pre-season, they showed their quality, and I think they still have potential to even do better."
Hall was the other name that could have departed late in the window but he remained at the club and his impact has been vital to their positive start.
Alongside the assist for Willock, he set up Harvey Barnes' sensational strike against Bournemouth and put in the corner that was eventually turned home by Wissa in the win over Tottenham. Jaissle has also spoken highly of Hall and stated there will be more interest in acquiring his services.
He said: "For sure he will have interest [from other clubs] in the winter, like many other players. Every window there will be interest for our players. We definitely count on him, he's a player of huge, huge potential."
"He's delivering at a high level already but we all know there's much more to come and we're really excited that he is a part of the team, hopefully in the long term."