Newcastle receives an unexpected cup boost with the 19-year-old available to face Chelsea, and a transfer hint is dropped…

Eddie Howe has been boosted by news that he can play Lewis Hall against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup if he chooses.

Chronicle Live understands that Hall is “eligible” to feature, with loan rules stating that United required permission from his parent club to play, which they received last week. This also hints that Newcastle are likely to complete the permanent signing of Hall and that the Blues are planning for the future without the full-back.

It is also believed that the criteria for Hall to become a United player on a full-time basis should be achieved by the 19-year-old before the end of the season to set up what could be a £35 million deal. Hall is happy at United and Howe is keen to work closely with the youngster to perfect his defensive work.

When asked about Hall’s future last week, Howe said, “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.

“But he’s young 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.”