Newcastle United reportedly need to brace themselves for January interest in Jamaal Lascelles, with Tottenham Hotspur continuing to scout the defender.
According to a report from the Chronicle, Tottenham are among the sides who continue to send scouts to watch Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles this season – but the Magpies remain determined to keep the defender.
Lascelles has seemingly been linked with the St James’ Park exit ever since he guided Newcastle to promotion back to the Premier League before the start of last season.
Rafa Benitez’s men are enduring a miserable start to this campaign, with the side still awaiting their first league win of the season. It does appear that a relegation scrap is on the cards on Tyneside this term.
But Lascelles – who earns £40,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – continues to impress. The Chronicle reports that Spurs and Chelsea are continuing to send scouts to watch the 24-year-old as they both plan to potentially bolster their defensive options.
The Chronicle adds that Newcastle continue to adopt the same stance that they had in the summer – they do not plan to sell Lascelles at any price in the January window.
It is not clear whether Chelsea or Spurs are planning, or even discussing, January bids for the Magpies talisman. But Newcastle’s plan to do all they can to keep him is surely the right one.
While cashing in on Lascelles may give Benitez some additional funds that could be beneficial in other areas, losing their captain would surely leave many writing off Newcastle’s hopes of staying up – especially as their recent record in the transfer market has hardly provided reason for encouragement.
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