Crystal Palace ‘open loan transfer talks’ for Chelsea wonderkid, 18, who made nine Premier League appearances last term
CRYSTAL PALACE are reportedly working on a deal to sign Lewis Hall on loan from Chelsea.
The 18-year-old looks set to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge before heading out elsewhere to gain regular first-team minutes.
Hall picked up Chelsea’s academy Player of the Season award and made nine Premier League appearances last term.
The talented youngster – who was left out of the England U21 Euro winning team due to age – can be deployed at left-back or in midfield.
And despite Chelsea’s disastrous season, the youngster delivered some impressive performances.
Stepping up in Ben Chilwell’s absence, the teenager came the closest to scoring in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup defeat at Manchester City.
According to the South London Press, Hall could be heading to the south of the capital with Palace this summer.
The Blues are intent on keeping Hall long-term, but want him to gain regular first-team minutes.
Chelsea have a lot of left-back options right now, so it may be best if Hall does spend some time away from Stamford Bridge.
The Englishman is currently fighting Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella and Ian Maatsen for a place in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI.
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Selhurst Park is an ideal loan location for Hall as Palace have a history of making use of Chelsea’s youngsters.
The Eagles have taken Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Patrick Bamford, Michy Batshuayi and Conor Gallagher on loan from the West Londoners since winning promotion to the Premier League in 2013.
Palace’s squad is currently looking rather depleted, after the expiry of Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur contracts, and club legend Wilfried Zaha’s exit on a free transfer.
Roy Hodgson’s side kick off their Premier League campaign at newly-promoted Sheffield United August 12.