'Best decision': Mauricio Pochettino stands by his decision to let Lewis Hall sign for Newcastle

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has had to defend his decision to allow Lewis Hall to leave the club this summer.

Newcastle United swooped to pick up promising youngster Lewis Hall from Chelsea this summer with a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy for an initial £28million, a figure that could rise to £35million.

Hall was just 18 when he signed for Newcastle, the club he supported as a boy despite being raised in London, owing to his Geordie parents.

Newcastle fans can't wait to see the best of Hall

Chelsea fans were no happy that they let one of their brightest talents leave the club, especially for a rival to their 'top six' position.

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In our recent Q&A with a Chelsea fan, we asked them which player they'd take from Newcastle for their side and he said he'd have Lewis Hall back in a heartbeat.

He was well thought of at Chelsea and has Newcastle fans on tenterhooks waiting to see what he can do for us. He's only had a few opportunities to show what he can do and so far we've not seen him anywhere near his best.

Pochettino said there were too many players ahead of Hall in the pecking order at Chelsea

This morning, Eddie Howe praised Hall's commitment in training and backed him for big things, whereas in his press conference, Mauricio Pochettino stood by his decision to let Hall leave (via Metro).

“He was a player with the condition to play here but, at the same time, we had too many players in that position ahead of him.

“I think the player and club took the best decision from both sides. That’s what happened this summer.

“He cannot play but he has a good future and I hope he settles well there and play as much as he wants.”

Chelsea's loss is our gain. Hall has a massive future ahead of him and now that bright future is going to be in a black and white shirt.