Newcastle’s captain has been linked with a move to West Ham, but fans should be encouraged by his latest comments.
Jamaal Lascelles was reported as a target for West Ham United in The Sun last week, to the surprise of many.
The 24-year-old is the Newcastle United captain, playing the best football of his career under Rafa Benitez at a united club and on the brink of the England squad.
That did not prevent debate raging, however, with the report claiming Lascelles’ agent has links with West Ham while the notion that his wages could receive a boost in London was also floated about.
Newcastle fans may well be somewhat relieved to hear Lascelles address the future ahead of Saturday’s huge home game with Huddersfield Town then.
“Everything is running smooth now, everything is positive and I think it’s just down to us to make sure we keep the fans happy,” Lascelles told the Telegraph.
He added: “[Benitez] has brought the club together and the city together. I think it’s important that the club keeps him happy and holds on to him for as long as possible.”
While Lascelles may not have directly addressed rumours about his own future, he certainly does not sound like a man who is looking for a move.
He appears to particularly be enjoying his football with Benitez and is clearly very keen to keep working with the Champions League-winning manager.
Of course, the Telegraph reported in February that Benitez is also a target for West Ham, but it seems highly unlikely that both manager and captain would depart for what, at best, would be a sideways move.
While there will be changes at St James’ Park this summer, Newcastle fans know only too well that it is imperative that both Benitez and Lascelles remain.
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