Newcastle most likely to sign Chelsea defender

Newcastle United are most likely to sign Chelsea defender Lewis Hall at the end of the campaign, according to Daily Mail.

Hall joined the Magpies on loan from the Blues last summer. As part of the deal, there is an obligation to buy for £28m with a condition.

The Magpies need to finish 15th or above in the table to sign Hall permanently, and that looks certain to happen at the moment.

Eddie Howe's side are currently 15 points ahead of 16th-placed Everton. It appears a formality before Hall makes a permanent move.

Hall was considered as a huge prospect for the Blues, but the youngster made the decision to move to Tyneside for personal reasons.

The transfer fee due to be received will be a huge boost for the Blues, who need to balance their books by the end of June.

They need to recoup close to £100 million from player sales in order to avoid a potential points deduction for breaking Financial Fair Play rules.