Chelsea make huge £35m decision ahead of Newcastle tie despite ‘tough’ Pochettino admission

Chelsea will allow Lewis Hall to feature for Newcastle United should Eddie Howe select him on Tuesday night, it has been confirmed.

The 19-year-old’s availability for the Carabao Cup quarter-final was unclear following his summer switch from Stamford Bridge to St. James’ Park.

Hall departed for the North East on an initial loan deal, with Newcastle having the option of making the deal permanent next summer.

Newcastle agreed to pay Chelsea a £28 million fee for the versatile teenager, with up to £7 million in add-ons included in the deal.

“I got a lot of experience last year in some big fixtures and I was really proud of the way I progressed as a player and a person,” Hall explained upon the completion of his switch.

“To now be here at Newcastle, the club that I’ve supported since I was a kid, I’m honoured and very proud to wear this shirt.”

Following the quarter-final draw, Chelsea have given Newcastle permission to select Hall for selection in midweek should Howe want to include him for the trip to the capital.

Hall will be hoping for some more minutes in a Newcastle shirt having only made seven appearances this season since his summer switch, four of which have come in the Premier League.

His long-term future at Newcastle has been speculated in recent weeks over the clauses which were inserted in the transfer agreement between the clubs.

However, Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph has confirmed, according to Chelsea insiders, the obligation for Newcastle to buy Hall is not related to the number of appearances he makes this season.

When asked last week about his future, Howe said: “You’re probably asking the wrong man, I’m not 100 percent sure. It’s not mine (decision to make).

“For me, he’s here now, he’s a Newcastle player. But I think there’s certain criteria he has to meet.”

“Lewis is a really talented player. He has huge technical qualities. He is creative and has very good final delivery. He’s a really good attacking full-back. He’s got certain things to learn defensively, which we’re working on with him.

Howe added: “But he’s a young age and also recently converted to a left-back. There needs to be a little bit of understanding that he may take a little bit of time to get the defensive solidity that we’re looking for, but he’s a player of such high promise.”