Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez will tell the club to knock back any approach for in-demand skipper Jamaal Lascelles in the summer transfer window, according to The Sun.
The newspaper claim that Chelsea are keen on buying Lascelles this summer as they look for a new centre-back and to bring more English players to the club.
The Sun report that if Benitez himself stays at the club this summer, he will demand that the Magpies reject all offers for Lascelles, who only signed a new deal in October.
Lascelles’ new contract sees him tied to the club until 2023, and as reported by the Chronicle, sees him earn £35,000-a-week.
Good move for Newcastle United?
Absolutely.
Lascelles has proven time and again this season that he is a crucial part of this Newcastle squad, which quite frankly could fall apart without him.
The enforcer has shown brilliant leadership as captain for the Magpies, despite his young age, and it is no secret that Benitez is a big fan.
Rejecting all approaches for him would be the right move this summer, as long as the club retain their Premier League status.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
If Chelsea were to come in with a big offer, then it remains to be seen what Newcastle will do.
If Mike Ashley is still in charge in the summer, then you would think that the club would most definitely consider such a bid.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10