Newcastle forced to automatically trigger £35million transfer just seconds after 4-0 thumping of Tottenham
NEWCASTLE'S 4-0 win over Spurs has triggered a unique transfer clause - making Lewis Hall's big-money move from Chelsea permanent.
The left-back signed on loan for £4million, with a full move for £24m extra to follow if the Toon came 15th or above in the Premier League.
Saturday's surprise romp over high-riding Tottenham guaranteed a deal for Hall - even though he was an unused substitute.
Add-ons could eventually take the England Under-21 star's fee to £35m.
And Magpies' boss Eddie Howe has insisted he always wanted to keep the 19-year-old, despite his limited starts.
Howe said last month: “It’s nailed on. I’m preparing for Lewis to be at Newcastle for many years.
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“He was always brought in with a long-term view.
“Something we just need some patience. Players develop at different speeds, but we’re delighted with the progress he’s made.
“We have always believed in him and his quality, and we have been working really hard with him on his game."
Sixth-placed Newcastle are, of course, targeting a European place rather than just doing enough to recruit Hall - for which they merely had to finish outside the bottom five.
And Chelsea will also be happy to cash in on him
Stamford Bridge co-owner Todd Boehly is battling to balance the book at the end of the season to comply with the Prem's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
And the fee for Hall counts as 100 per cent profit as he is a home-grown player.