Everton and Chelsea have been linked with Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles in the summer transfer window.
Jamaal Lascelles is one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and there is no surprise that Everton and Chelsea have been linked with the Newcastle United star.
The London Evening Standard claimed back in February that Chelsea want to sign Lascelles from Premier League rivals Newcastle in the summer transfer window, while The Mirror claimed this week that Everton are planning a £25 million move for the defender.
The former Nottingham Forest defender, though, does not seem to be thinking of leaving Newcastle at the end of the season.
Lascelles told Sky Sports about speculation on his future: “When you’re flicking through Twitter or people say there’s rumours about this, that and the other you’re aware of it but I don’t take any notice.
“I’m a Newcastle player, I’m happy here, I’m the captain and things are going really well. You hear about rumours, but I’m just concentrating on Newcastle.”
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has also ruled out the prospect of selling Lascelles in the summer transfer window.
When asked if he would consider selling Lascelles, Benitez told The Shields Gazette: “Not really. If you want to continue growing, normally you have to try to keep your best players.”
Future at Newcastle United?
It seems that Lascelles is set to remain at Newcastle beyond the summer of 2018, but strange things do tend to happen during the transfer windows.
A big offer from Chelsea could be hard for the Magpies to turn down, and the 24-year-old, who earns £40,000 per week as salary according to Spotrac.com, could be tempted to challenge for the Premier League title.
However, for Newcastle to have a strong 2018-19 campaign, they need to keep hold of Lascelles.
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