Linked with an £18 million transfer to Chelsea last month, Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has played down any suggestions Jamaal Lascelles could exit St. James’ Park, report the Shields Gazette.
Captaining the Magpies this term, Lascelles has been a key member of Newcastle United’s Championship promotion push and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed by Antonio Conte’s Blues this term.
However, Benitez poured cold water on the speculation, claiming: “To be fair I was talking with Jamaal this week because I read a lot of things in the press.
“He is quite happy and training well. He is concentrating on playing football and that’s it.”
Joining the Magpies from Nottingham Forest alongside Karl Darlow in August 2014, Lascelles enjoyed a real breakthrough in Newcastle United’s relegation campaign last term.
Receiving the Magpies captaincy in August 2016, 22-year-old Lascelles has started all but one of Newcastle United’s 16 Championship fixtures so far this 2016/17 season.