NEWCASTLE have confirmed the signing of Lewis Hall from Chelsea – but he has been handed a 'cursed' shirt number.
The versatile youngster broke through at Stamford Bridge last season and had agreed a new deal with the Blues earlier this month.
But he has now completed his switch to Toon, joining on loan with an obligatory fee of £28million to be paid next summer according to Newcastle, which could rise to £35m if certain add-ons are met.
However Chelsea claim the clause is only an option to buy.
Chelsea fans are not happy to see Hall go, with many incredulous at the club's asking price.
The 18-year-old revealed his pride at signing for Newcastle, and spoke to the club's media team as his move was announced.
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He said: "I’m very proud. Me and my family are Newcastle fans, and for me and my brother growing up, it was drilled into us that we were Newcastle. It's a big club and I can't wait to get started.
"I got a lot of experience last year in some big fixtures and I was really proud of the way I progressed as a player and a person. To now be here at Newcastle, the club that I've supported since I was a kid, I'm honoured and very proud to wear this shirt.
"It's very exciting. When you look back on last season and the way the team performed – not just the results, but the performances the team were putting in – it was amazing.
"There's so many talented players and we've got the Champions League now as well so there's many different competitions that I know the team will be wanting to do well in, and hopefully get a trophy or two as well."
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Hall has been given the number 20 shirt, which has a chequered recent history at the Magpies.
The likes of Florian Thauvin, Remy Cabella and Albert Luque all flopped wearing the shirt number.
While its most recent incumbent, Chris Wood, lasted only 12 months at the club before joining Nottingham Forest in January.
Eddie Howe also spoke about Hall's capture and revealed he is a player they have been watching closely.
He said: "I'm delighted to welcome Lewis to Newcastle United.
"He is a player we have tracked closely, as have a number of clubs, so it's very pleasing to secure him and to add a player of his quality, versatility and high potential to our squad.
"I'd like to thank everyone involved for their tireless work to bring in the players we have.
"A lot of time, effort and resource goes into a transfer window, but we have a real togetherness at all levels here and I appreciate that teamwork and support."
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