The 2 Kieran Tierney reasons why Newcastle transfer is OFF as left-back hunt turns to £35m wildcard

A report claims Newcastle were put off by a pair of Arsenal factors as their pursuit of Kieran Tierney appears to be reach its end game.

Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall is now the hot favourite to become Eddie Howe's new left-back with the clubs locked in talks over a permanent deal to take the 18–year-old to Tyneside. Multiple bids for the England youth international have turfed out by Stamford Bridge decision makers, however, it appears an agreement is getting closer for the boyhood Magpies fan to join Newcastle.

It appeared, even up until Monday, that a move for Tierney was a live option for Newcastle. But a fresh report states Newcastle were left miffed with two key Arsenal elements. It's understood the asking price from the Gunners and their insistence to hang fire to the latter part of the window resulted in cooling interest from Howe's side which resulted in a signing change of heart.

And the road from London to Newcastle appears set to be made by Hall not Tierney as Howe remains steadfast in his belief young talents can be the difference maker for a side competing with the world's best teams for new arrivals. Hall is a team-mate of Newcastle new boy Tino Livramento at international youth level with England.

But what now for Tierney? The Celtic hero faces an uncertain Arsenal future after being bombed out of the first game against Nottingham Forest. He then wasn't even listed as a potential option to replace injured Jurrien Timber as he gets set for some big calls before the window closes.