Chelsea are planning to make a move for Newcastle United centre-back Jamaal Lascelles this summer. According to recent reports, the Blues are ready to pounce on the English defender’s signature when the transfer window opens in the summer. It is understood that the West London outfit has identified the Magpies captain as the new John Terry after the 24-year-old’s sensational season at the Tyneside club.
Lascelles is known for his leadership abilities and his ‘no-nonsense’ style of defending which is exactly what the Blues are looking for. The English talent has enhanced his reputation as a defender since joining the Magpies in the summer of 2014 from Nottingham Forest. He has been a key figure under manager Rafael Benitez this season and his solid performances have helped the Toons get themselves out of relegation trouble for the time being.
It would be a major coup for Chelsea if they can pull off a deal in the off-season as they look to close the gap to the Manchester clubs going into the new campaign. With Lascelles being touted to make a move to Stamford Bridge, let’s take a look at three replacements for Newcastle United to consider during the summer transfer period.
James Tarkowski
The Burnley defensive ace has put in some solid displays at the back for Sean Dyche’s side during the course of this Premier League season. He will be the perfect replacement for Lascelles and could turn out to a shrewd signing if the Magpies can pull off such a deal. The 25-year-old has featured in 25 matches for the Clarets in this campaign and has been a key figure in his team’s climb to the top half of the Premier League table.
Jonny Evans
The Baggies defender has improved his game for the West Midlands side following his departure from Manchester United. The Magpies can offer him regular first-team football at St. James Park if Lascelles ends up leaving the club which might be enough to convince him to join Rafael Benitez’s revolution at Tyneside.
The Northern Ireland international has a wealth of Premier League experience having featured in 232 matches in the English top-flight during his time with Manchester United, Sunderland and now, West Bromwich Albion.
David Abraham
The Argentine defender has been a rock at the back for Eintracht Frankfurt this season and his performances have helped his team climb to 6th place in the Bundesliga table. They are still in with a chance of securing a Champions League spot for next season which has mainly been down to Abraham’s contributions.
The 31-year-old centre-back has made 22 appearances for Frankfurt in all competitions and will be a great fit for Newcastle as they look to improve on their league performance next season.
