Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles is suspected to have an open line of communication with Mike Ashley, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claim that the Magpies centre-back had an open line of communication with the businessman in the summer after acting as a conduit between him and the dressing room, and sources have suggested it remains open.
The Chronicle report that Lascelles is a trusted dressing room voice and always made it clear that he is committed to the Magpies.
However according to the newspaper’s report the centre-back remains a wanted man as both Chelsea and Tottenham are continuing to monitor the defender.
OPINION
It’s no surprise that Lascelles still has Chelsea as well as Spurs keeping an eye on him as the 24-year-old is a talented player who can aid their causes. However it is good to read that while the Magpies may have to fight off the Premier League duo’s interest in January, that the club would likely refuse to sell him in the winter window. If Rafa Benitez saw Lascelles walk out in January then he would know that his team face not only a tough task replacing him, but an uphill battle staying in the Premier League. The 24-year-old, who has played nine times this season, is a key part of the Magpies’ team and anytime he is absent then he is sorely missed. Given that Lascelles seems to understand the club and seems mature beyond his years, then it is positive that he potentially is able to communicate with Ashley. The Magpies owner needs to hear any dressing room grievances to understand what he needs to do.
