Report: Everton cool interest in Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles

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Everton have reportedly switched their attention away from Newcastle United skipper Jamaal Lascelles.

According to a report from the Northern Echo, Everton have cooled their interest in signing Jamaal Lascelles this summer amid fears that the Toffees could end up paying a huge fee for the Newcastle captain.

Lascelles appears to be one of the most highly sought-after defenders in the Premier League, with the Northern Echo reporting that Marco Silva made him his number one target to bolster the defence this summer, while Tottenham and Chelsea are also monitoring his situation at St James’ Park.

However, while Lascelles’s future may seem uncertain, it appears that he may not be Everton bound as the Northern Echo reports that the Toffees are now prioritising Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson having been scared off a move for the Magpies stopper over fears that Newcastle will not consider selling for less than £30 million.

The Northern Echo adds that Silva’s budget is probably not going to be on the same level as the one that Ronald Koeman worked with last summer, and thus, a potential £20 million move for Gibson seems more appealing to the Merseyside outfit.

Lascelles enjoyed a superb season following Newcastle’s promotion, so it would be little surprise if some of the Goodison Park faithful were slightly disappointed that a move for the 24-year-old appears to be off the table right now.

However, Gibson was impressive during Boro’s most recent season in the top flight as they kept a ridiculously good defensive record for a team that suffered relegation. And having failed to bounce straight back up this past season, it would probably not shock many around the Riverside Stadium if the former England under-21 international was keen for Everton to make their move.