Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles revealed he was happy at St James’ Park and thought things were going really well for him at the club.
The 24-year-old defender made the remarks after being asked how he felt about being linked with a move away, and he replied with a definitive response.
“When you’re flicking through Twitter or people say there’s rumours about this, that and the other you’re aware of it but I don’t take any notice,” said Lascelles in an interview with Sky Sports.
“I’m a Newcastle player, I’m happy here, I’m the captain and things are going really well. You hear about rumours, but I’m just concentrating on Newcastle.”
The Daily Mirror reported on Friday that Everton were preparing to make a £25million move for Lascelles in the summer and that Chelsea as well as Tottenham were also interested in his services.
OPINION
Magpies supporters will love to hear that their impressive enforcer is happy at St James’ Park and why wouldn’t he be? The 24-year-old gets regular Premier League football, making 32 league appearances this season, and is trusted enough to be the club’s captain. Rafa Benitez has over seen Lascelles improvement while at the club, but even if the manager leaves, it’s vital the centre-back stays where he is. While several teams will no doubt try to pry him away from the Magpies, the club must stay strong. Granted that’s an easy task if the likes of the Toffees are only bidding £25million for his services, when he is clearly worth way more. Lascelles is contracted to the Magpies until 2023 and the club knows that puts them in a strong position when it comes to keeping him. Also with him publicly revealing he’s enjoying himself at St James’ Park, it makes his exit look even less likely.
