Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles is on a two-man defensive shortlist for Liverpool this summer, according to the Independent.
The newspaper claims that the Premier League giants are lining up both Lascelles and Burnley’s James Tarkowski after their impressive seasons for their respective clubs.
It is understood that the Merseyside club feel that both centre-backs fit their criteria, but they will only try to sign one of them and it’s unclear which one yet.
Statistics website Spotrac claims that Ritchie has a £40,000-a-week contract with Newcastle and his current deal with them expires in 2023.
Good move for Newcastle?
Newcastle must ensure they keep their commanding enforcer at all costs and it would be suicide going into next season to get rid of Lascelles.
The centre-back was extremely unfortunate to miss out on World Cup spot with England this summer after his brilliant displays this campaign and has the potential to get even better under manager Rafael Benitez.
He already demonstrates great leadership for a 24-year-old and the Magpies must ignore all the money thrown at them for their prized asset.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 1/10
Likely to happen?
There appears to be a 50-50 chance Liverpool pursue Lascelles in the summer, but the likelihood he leaves St James’ Park has to be a lot lower.
He is one of the first names on the team sheet for Newcastle and very much a senior player, something that would be hard to establish at Champions League finalists Liverpool.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 2/10
