Eddie Howe cannot confirm if Chelsea loanee Lewis Hall will still be a Newcastle player next season, meaning he could yet return to Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old joined the Magpies on a season-long loan in August with an obligation to buy for £28million, with a further £7m in add-ons. The deal included performance-related criteria that needed to be met and, so far, Hall has only made six appearances. In three of his four starts, he has been replaced at half-time.
The expectation is that the left-back will satisfy the terms and stay at St James’ Park, but given his lack of involvement it has led to questions over his future.