According to latest reports, Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing Newcastle United centre-back, Jamaal Lascelles. The Englishman had a breakthrough season as he was immense at the back for the Toon and went on to win their Player Of The Season award. He also happens to be the club captain and it remains to be seen whether he will make a switch to the north London side.
However, Spurs are not alone in their chase of the defender as Chelsea are also reportedly after him. The Blues finished a dismal 5th last season and they will certainly be looking for reinforcements in the summer.
Even with all the interest from top Premier League clubs, Rafael Benitez seems confident that his 24-year-old Englishman will stay at the club. He said,”I think he will stay here, and hopefully for the long term. He has huge potential and big clubs will look at him because he is a young, English centre-back.
“But I think that for his future, and for his development, that he stays in a place where he can play and he can improve and continue to keep getting better with us. I think he understands that too. He seems happy and he is learning all the time, so I hope he stays for a long time.”
Lascelles was a rock at the back for Newcastle as he made 33 appearances in the Premier League and helped the Magpies finish in the top half of the table. However, such performances are sure to draw an interest from top clubs and Mauricio Pochettion is looking to bring him in to bolster his squad.
It seems certain that the North London outfit will lose the services of Toby Alderwiereld in the summer as the talks for a new contract between the club and the player has stalled. Their only other proven centre-back options are Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez and it is clear that they will need to bring in more strength in that department.
Lascelles might be tempted to move to Tottenham as he can get a chance to play in Champions League but it is likely that he will have to bide his time on the bench before he gets regular first team playing opportunities. At St. James’ Park, he will be their star man and will have no such issues regarding a place in the playing eleven.
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However, Spurs will try to pull all strings possible to have their man and he will certainly be a good signing as he has a good amount of experience in the Premier League and he is currently in the prime of his career.
