Newcastle fans in the Transfer Tavern might have to start preparing for life without club captain, Jamaal Lascelles as rumours circle that Chelsea are lining up a summer bid for the £6.3 million-rated centre back. Lascelles has been a key figure at both ends of the pitch for Newcastle this season, helping Newcastle to six clean sheets and chipping in with three goals so far this season.
The former Nottingham Forest man was made captain under current manager Rafa Benitez and hasn’t looked back since, with a number of impressive displays both in the Championship last season and in the Premier League this campaign. Lascelles also seems to have struck up a strong relationship with Benitez leading many of the Toon Army to believe that the recent rumours are only speculation.
The 24-year-old certainly fits the mould of a player that a top six club would be after. Lascelles has proven himself to be strong, quick, tactically sound and a natural leader on the pitch. The fact he’s young and English is just an added bonus to any potential top six suitors, however it’s hard to see the rugged, influential defender prised away from Newcastle in the summer if Rafa is still there next season.
With all this in mind, here’s a look at the reaction amongst Newcastle supporters online.
Not that I'd want Lascelles to be sold, but imagine how much we could get for him in the current market. Young, solid, English defender #NUFC
— Stuart Herd (@Stuart_Herd) February 22, 2018
I don’t see Lascelles leaving Newcastle. He is the heart of the club, and Rafa’s main man. The only way he would leave is if Rafa leaves. #nufc
— CorryTheGeordie (@CorryTheGeordie) February 22, 2018
Lascelles is the exact sort of player a Top 6 club could use.
Passionate as hell, strong, tactically sound, still improving.
English, to boot.
Hopefully that’s #NUFC in a few years.
— The Exiled Geordies (@NUFC_Podcast) 22 February 2018
Chelsea can naff off for Lascelles #nufc
— David Punton (@DavePunton) February 22, 2018
Chelsea won’t be only club with interest in Lascelles this summer. If Ashley is still here going into next season then there is nothing we can do to stop him leaving. Ashley will take the cash and we all know it. #nufc
— DeKuip02 #FBPE (@DeKuip02) February 22, 2018
Chelsea being linked with Jamaal Lascelles, no surprise to me.
Quality defender who will end up with lots of England caps#NFFC #NUFC#CFC— Chris North (@1_NewarkOutlaw) 22 February 2018
I don’t even want to think about it..
But if Ashley sells Lascelles in the summer, I might jump out a window.#NUFC
— The Exiled Geordies (@NUFC_Podcast) February 22, 2018
