Newcastle United star says he plans on being at club ‘for a long time’ | OneFootball

Lewis Hall says speculation linking him with Manchester United did not affect him and has credited Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle with giving him the freedom to express himself.

The defender recently committed his future to Newcastle by signing a new contract and says it quickly became clear after Jaissle’s arrival that the club was heading in the right direction.

“Since the manager came in, the ambitions and what we wanted to achieve [have been clear],” Hall told The Chronicle.

“After not many conversations, not many training sessions, I knew that the manager was going to be really good for this club.

“Bringing in new players and improving the squad was really important and as soon as we did that, it was a no-brainer really to sign.”

Hall also praised the trust Jaissle has shown in him, particularly in giving him licence to attack from defence.

“He’s a top guy. He’s been so good to me,” Hall added.

“He gives me the licence to express myself as long as I do the defensive work and do the running that’s required for this position, which is quite a lot of work.

“But I’m happy to do it as long as it benefits the team. He’s been a positive for everyone who’s come in so far.”

Hall was also asked about being linked with Manchester United but insisted the speculation never distracted him.

“No, honestly, it didn’t [affect me],” he said.

“I guess whenever you’re linked to another team, you know that you’re doing something right. I guess it’s just a credit to your own performances and how you are as a player, how you are as a person.

“I took that as a positive, but at the same time, I knew how much I love playing here.

“We’ve got ambitions and as long as we achieve these ambitions and achieve what we want to achieve, I’m sure I’ll be here for a long time.”