Chelsea have been linked with a shock move for Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles.
Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles has been linked with a surprise move to Chelsea, by The Sun.
The centre-back impressed late in the 2015/16 season under Rafa Benitez, and was handed the club captaincy in the summer.
He has played a key role for the Toon this season, helping the side to the top of the Championship table.
Jamaal Lascelles celebrates scoring the first goal for Newcastle United
Newcastle would surely rather keep the 22-year-old, but The Sun‘s report cites Chelsea’s interest being at around the £18 million mark, and could be tempting.
Lascelles still has plenty to prove at the highest level, and Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has a shrewd record in the transfer market, and would likely spend the money very wisely.
Yet given the fact the Lascelles is a locker room leader, Newcastle would have more than simply a defensive void to fill if he is sold.
Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles in action with Swansea’s Alberto Paloschi
Losing him mid-season would be far worse than letting him leave next summer, as a move could potentially derail their promotion push.
Here is a look at how Newcastle fans reacted on Twitter to the transfer reports…
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