As quoted by The Shields Gazette, Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has said that he does not think Jamaal Lascelles will leave the club in January – coming as a relief to our resident Magpies here in the Transfer Tavern.
Our local Newcastle fans have been in buoyant mood this season with them looking good to bounce back into the Premier League at the first attempt.
They’ve seen some top performances from individuals like Dwight Gayle and Matt Richie, too, whilst their captain Lascelles has also impressed greatly.
So much so, that reportedly Chelsea and Liverpool have both been keeping tabs on the player ahead of a potential bid but for Benitez, no such move is going to happen.
The Spaniard made the former Nottingham Forest man his skipper at the start of this year and is evidently pleased with his displays as the former Real Madrid boss said of the rumours:
“I saw the links, but I have been talking with Jamaal and with more people around him.
“He’s happy, he’s OK.
“We think that he’s a good player for us, so I don’t see any big change in January around him, or anyone really.”
Our landlord thinks Lascelles could be a top Premier League defender in the future but believes he is better off staying with Newcastle at least for this season.
How vital is Lascelles, Newcastle fans? Let us know below!
