Is West Ham’s interest in Lascelles bad news for James Collins?

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West Ham United want to raid Premier League rivals Newcastle United to bring centre-back Jamaal Lascelles to the London Stadium.

Despite an impressive Premier League season at Newcastle United, skipper Jamaal Lascelles remains surprisingly under-the-radar.

The Magpies’ centre-back is rarely mentioned in conjunction with any of the Premier League’s genuinely top sides and was even left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the current international break. But it appears West Ham United are at least alive to Lascelles’ talents.

According to the Sun, the Hammers are planning a £15 million move to lure the former Nottingham Forest youngster away from St James’ Park. And, despite wearing the armband at Newcastle and being a favourite of manager Rafa Benitez, a deal could be on the cards.

It is understood that West Ham could tempt Lascelles with a better contract, while his agent has close ties with the London club.

But, if Lascelles does swap black and white for claret and blue, will it be a case of one in, one out at the London Stadium this summer?

The experienced James Collins is out of contract in three months and, as it stands, West Ham have not yet offered the Welshman a new deal.

The Standard claimed in January that Collins, who joined from Aston Villa in 2012 and has been targeted by Brighton, wants to end his career with the club but might be denied that opportunity.

And, as much as the 34-year-old is respected by supporters, swapping an ageing centre-back for a rising star ten years his junior would finally display some ambition from West Ham’s under-fire board.