Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles is reportedly a target for Chelsea.
According to The Sun, Chelsea are lining up a move to sign Newcastle United centre back Jamaal Lascelles in a deal worth up to £18m.
The Blues have been using a back three of late, featuring the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill and David Luiz, whilst Antonio Conte also has veteran John Terry at his disposal too.
Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia in action with Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles
Ultimately, Conte will be looking to bring in a younger central defender, and it seems that Chelsea are focusing their attentions on a host of British centre backs.
The Sun report that Burnley’s Michael Keane, Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson and Tottenham’s Ben Davies are all on Chelsea’s list, but Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles could end up being their top target.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
Lascelles, 22, joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest back in the summer of 2014, but returned to Forest on loan for a year before finally starting his Magpies career.
The centre back not only impressed for Newcastle last season, showing leadership in the club’s ultimately unsuccessful battle against relegation, but has also been superb in Newcastle’s great start to this season.
Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles looks to be an England international in the making, and it’s no surprise that Premier League teams are keen, with Chelsea believed to be lining up a huge £18m move for the centre back.
However, it’s noted that Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez views Lascelles as a key player should the Magpies – who currently sit top of the Championship – win promotion, which could mean that Newcastle end up resisting any move from Chelsea to land their talented young defender.
Would you sell Lascelles for £18m?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
