Jamaal Lascelles should stick with Newcastle despite Liverpool links

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles is attracting Liverpool’s attention ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to a recent report from The Independent, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has included Newcastle skipper Jamaal Lascelles on his shortlist of targets for the summer as the Reds look to bolster their centre-back options.

The Independent reports that Lascelles and James Tarkowski of Burnley are attracting Liverpool’s attention, and Klopp will hope to sign one of the pair. For Newcastle, losing Lascelles would undoubtedly be a massive blow.

The 24-year-old has been one of the Magpies’ most important players over the last few years, quickly establishing himself as a leader in the side and proving to be a player that Rafa Benitez can clearly rely on to make an impact on the pitch and inspire those around him. Liverpool’s interest in him should therefore, surprise few.

And, of course, Lascelles would do well not to have his head turned by the Liverpool links. The Reds are preparing for a Champions League final and were one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League this past season – there is a real sense that the club are growing into a major force domestically and in Europe once again.

But given that The Independent suggest that Klopp is not necessarily looking to replace Dejan Lovren as first-choice, Lascelles should have virtually no hesitation in staying at St James’ Park – for the time-being, at least.

The Magpies only returned to the Premier League this past season but still managed to register a top-half finish under Rafa Benitez. If Mike Ashley convinces Benitez to stay and backs him with significant funds this summer, Newcastle have an enormous amount of potential.

They may not be looking at competing with Liverpool next season, but with Newcastle, Lascelles appears to have a nailed on place in the side as he continues to perfect his craft. Unless something dramatic happens with the Magpies over the coming weeks, the former Nottingham Forest ace’s preference should be to stay put, otherwise, he risks enduring frustrating spells on the sidelines if he ends up in the middle of the pecking order.

The prospect of Liverpool for any player is about as attractive an opportunity right now as it has been for a number of years, and that may be leaving Newcastle fans slightly concerned about the possibility of losing Lascelles. But if Klopp cannot hand him some assurances over how much game-time he can expect to enjoy at Anfield, Lascelles’ best move may be to continue at Newcastle.