Chelsea have reportedly stolen a march on Manchester United in the race to sign Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall this summer.
According to TEAMtalk, the Blues have already held initial talks with Newcastle to learn about the details of finalising a potential deal for the 21-year-old.
The move comes following Marc Cucurella’s departure to Real Madrid, which has left Chelsea light on specialist options at left-back heading into the new season.
Jorrel Hato is currently the only natural option in that position at Stamford Bridge, with Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto able to provide limited cover.
Colwill is more comfortable as a centre-back, while Gusto is predominantly a right-back, making the left-back position an obvious area for reinforcement this window.
Chelsea had identified Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown as a serious option, but he is reportedly closing in on a move to Bayern Munich instead.
Xabi Alonso’s side also explored the possibility of reuniting with Alejandro Grimaldo, though the player is set to turn 32 next year and Barcelona have also expressed interest in signing him.
With those alternatives fading, Chelsea have turned their attention to Hall, who came through their youth academy before joining Newcastle for a fee of around £30m.
Eddie Howe’s side have now placed a £60m price tag on the defender, whose existing contract at St James’ Park runs until 2029.
Manchester United are also in pursuit of Hall, with Michael Carrick said to be planning to add a new left-back to his squad this summer.
United currently have Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu as options on the left side, though Shaw has struggled with recurring fitness issues and Dorgu has shown his best form further forward.
Hall made a number of impressive performances in the Premier League last campaign, highlighting his technical quality and confirming his growing reputation as one of the division’s most promising young defenders.
Chelsea’s early contact with Newcastle gives them a potential advantage over their rivals, though at £60m, either club will need to move decisively to secure the former academy product’s signature.