Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that his decision to permit Lewis Hall join Newcastle United in the summer in the interest of the player.

Hall left Chelsea for more regular minutes up north after it became clear he wasn’t going to play much under Pochettino.

With the likes of Marc Cucurella, Ben Chilwell and Ian Maatsen all playing in the same position, the 19-year-old had to leave, and Poch thinks it was the right thing to do.

The coach told reporters on Friday: “It was a player with the conditions here, too many players in that position ahead of him.

“The player and the club took the best decision for both sides.

“Unlucky that he cannot play but he has a good future and hope he can settle well there.”

Hall has settled in well at Newcastle, and is well-liked by Eddie Howe. The Blues academy product left Chelsea for the first time over the summer. He left on a loan deal, with Newcastle having the option to buy at £28m.