Lewis Hall has explained the four key reasons behind signing a new contract with Newcastle United after Manchester United made him a target during the summer.

For a period, Hall appeared likely to leave Newcastle in the summer and follow the path taken by Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

That was partly because Manchester United were reportedly viewing him as one of their main targets, but Newcastle were unwilling to consider his departure and he has now put pen to paper on a new deal.

Before the agreement was officially announced, Fabrizio Romano stated that Hall could still move to Manchester United next summer because they would be his “destination” if he were to leave Newcastle.

For the time being, though, Hall has said that support from his family and from the fans were major reasons for staying with Newcastle, while the team’s impressive beginning to the new season and their ambitions for the future also influenced his choice.

“I’m absolutely delighted. It’s a really proud moment. It’s an absolute pleasure to play for this club and to represent the supporters. I know how much it means to them,” Hall said in an interview with Newcastle United’s website.

“The fanbase and the support we get here, whether it’s at St James’ Park or away, it’s the best in the league in my opinion. To be able to bring joy to their faces, it’s a big thing for me.

“I obviously have a family connection with the club, which is incredibly important to us all. One of the main reasons I play is to make my family proud, and I know how much it means to them to watch me playing for Newcastle United.

“It’s a really good place to be. It’s really pleasing with how we’ve started the season, especially with the new gaffer and coaching staff coming in, and I think we can go on to achieve really big things.”

Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle, meanwhile, has described the development as “exciting news” for the club.

“I have been impressed with Lewis since I arrived. He is a very important player for us and for what we are building here, so this is exciting news,” Jaissle said.

“The combination of his ability and his profile make him an ideal fit for our squad, and his mentality is exactly what you want in a young player. He wants to learn every day and he wants to be better in every match.

“Lewis covers ground in a way that few players can. He defends with maturity and intelligence, and his technical level means he can support the team higher up the pitch.

“What excites me most is that I believe the best is still to come from Lewis. He has a lot of room to develop, and I am looking forward to working with him as he grows with us.”