Newcastle United are in the driving seat over a potential transfer of captain Jamaal Lascelles this summer, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claim manager Rafael Benitez does not want to sell the defender and has told him he is a key figure in his plans for next season.
The Chronicle report that Premier League giants Chelsea and Tottenham have stepped up their interest in signing Lascelles but Benitez wants to batten down the hatches and keep him even though a major bid is likely to prompt a “conversation” at boardroom level.
OPINION
Newcastle fans used to owner Mike Ashley selling off the crown jewels when the bids come flying in will be forgiven for not feeling heartened by Benitez’s clear desire to hold on to Lascelles. Certainly, the 24-year-old has developed into one of the most reliable centre-backs in the Premier League over the last two years and was unfortunate to miss the cut for the World Cup. The Chronicle have dismissed speculation Everton will bid for the defender, but substantiate reports from the capital that interest from Spurs and Chelsea is genuine. This will concern the Toon faithful, who know the two clubs have the money to make them an offer they can’t refuse. Much will also depend upon Lascelles and the extent to which he has his head turned. The defender’s performances have shimmered with commitment and his leadership of a previously fractured dressing room has been hugely impressive. Will this be enough to keep the big guns at bay?
