Newcastle target boyhood fan as agent and family ties aid pursuit of Chelsea talent

Earlier today, we released an NUFC Blog exclusive on Newcastle's interest in Chelsea talent Lewis Hall; a boyhood Toon fan who has more than one link to the club.

It must be said that Chelsea are in no rush to sell the 18-year-old left-back following his breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge, but there's a few factors at play that could work in our favour.

He comes from a family of Toon supporters. His father, Colin, is a Geordie, while his grandfather and older brother - who currently plays for National League side Solihull Moors - are both avid Newcastle fans.

Speaking to The Chronicle two years ago, Hall's older brother admitted that the Berkshire-born pair would watch Newcastle whenever they played at Reading in the Premier League.

Additionally, it's interesting to note that the young defender is represented by the same agency (Wasserman) as Eddie Howe, Harrison Ashby and two incoming signings in Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento. This only means so much, but would aid lines of communication if we were to pursue a deal and suggests strong, pre-existing links between Wasserman and Newcastle.

As reported in our exclusive, Chelsea are unlikely to do us any favours and will demand a heft fee for the England youth international. However, it can only help that the player has ties to Tyneside and an agency who have been dealing with Newcastle United reps on a regular basis in recent weeks and months.