The latest on the Jamaal Lascelles transfer saga is bound to please the Newcastle United fans as the centre-back openly declared his disinterest in leaving St James’ Park any time soon. The 24-year-old has been at the heart of exit talks since drawing links to West Ham United and a host of Premier League sides.
Speaking to the press over his future, Lascelles said, “I’m happy at Newcastle. I don’t take notice of the media and I have always been told not to buy into speculation. I was told not to read into it. Half of it isn’t even true anyway so I’m just concentrating on playing for Newcastle. I’m happy here, I’m captain, it’s my job and that’s all I’m doing right now.”
Just last October, the Englishman had signed a contract extension with the Tyneside outfit, prolonging his relationship for another 5 seasons. Due to his impressive performances for the Magpies, Rafael Benitez has rewarded Lascelles with a place in the starting eleven and also the captain’s armband.
Lascelles had made 35 appearances last term and scored 3 crucial goals, extending his tally to 103 matches for Newcastle. He saw the club to the 10th spot of the Premier League and in turn, significantly improved his chances of international selection.
Benitez has no plans of losing his best players but is more keen on making further additions. West Ham United are currently on a spending spree to answer for their previous season’s disappointments, despite finishing 9 points clear of the relegation spots. Manuel Pellegrini has already added Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena to his defensive line. However, the signings have been canceled out by the departures of Reece Burke and James Collins.
Winston Reid is a constant injury concern and has already been ruled out for three months. With Angelo Ogbonna getting linked with a move abroad and two other 19-year-olds, Declan Rice and Reece Oxford as backups, maybe Pellegrini should consider moving for an alternate option.
Alfie Mawson
The only one who comes closest to the likes of Lascelles in terms of comparison is the 24-year-old Swansea City defensive ace. He did get called up for England’s pre-World Cup friendlies against Italy and the Netherlands.
Ahmed Hegazi
West Brom have been relegated to the Championship just like the Swans and is expected to be without the Egyptian next term. The 27-year-old came onto his own late into the 2017/18 season to help push for survival and also replacing Jonny Evans in the starting lineup.
Read More: Middlesbrough Interested In This 27 Y/O Winger From West Brom: Right Man For Tony Pulis?
Craig Dawson
Another Baggies centre-back who is capable of strengthening the Hammers backline. He is one of the versatile defenders who can fill in as a right-back as well.
