OPINION
It is known that Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez wants to sell players before he can buy, but that should not be the case for one of his regular first-teamers.
Centre-back Jamaal Lascelles has been targeted by West Ham in the past and now Leicester are keen to bid for the 6″2 (source: Transfermarkt) ace, according to a report from the Sun.
However, according to the Chronicle, the Magpies have said that they will reinforce their stance on Lascelles should the Foxes come bounding in with a £35 million offer for one of their star assets.
Benitez is undoubtedly eager to keep the 24-year-old at St James’ Park, as it would mean that he would face a race against time to find a suitable replacement before the window shuts early next month.
This is why the Spaniard needs to build his team around Lascelles, in order to keep him firmly in the centre of the Toon defence for the foreseeable future.
Without him, United would be looking incredibly depleted in their available defensive options, but would have had their hopes lifted after he revealed that he is committed to the club’s league campaign for the upcoming season.
Lascelles was a key figure in helping the side achieve an impressive tenth-placed finish upon their return to the top-flight, and this is a feat that they need to build upon with the Derby-born player firmly at the centre of Benitez’ plans.
Building the team around Lascelles will reassure him of his place in the side, and will hopefully prevent him wanting a move away from Tyneside in the coming seasons.
Lascelles has undoubtedly established himself as firm fan favourite since he moved to Newcastle in 2015, and this will certainly be set to continue once Benitez builds the team around him.
