OPINION
Everton must make a quickfire bid to sign Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles after it was reported that West Ham have had a bid for the 24-year-old rejected by the Magpies.
Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves has claimed on his personal Twitter account that the Hammers have attempted to raid their Premier League rivals for their captain with an offer worth up to £25million.
It is understood that Everton are also interested in the former Nottingham Forest ace – and Marco Silva must move now to make sure he impresses Newcastle with an offer of £30million.
West Ham firm up interest in Jamaal Lascelles with a firm bid of up to £25m. Everton also interested. Newcastle are adamant the captain is NOT for sale. Latest on @SkySportsNewsHQ #nufc #whufc #efc
— Pete Graves (@PeteGravesTV) July 10, 2018
The Sun reported in June that Everton are plotting a £30million swoop for Lascelles, but it appears that they are yet to firm up their interest quite the way that Premier League rivals West Ham have done.
They should look to do it as soon as possible to only only try and beat the Hammers to someone that they are drastically undervaluing, but also because Silva is yet to make a signing at Goodison Park and it would be a great boost to have Lascelles on board.
The £40,000-a-week (Spotrac) defender has been in top form at St James’ Park over the last year, helping Rafa Benitez’s side avoid relegation with a string of impressive performances in the centre of defence.
Silva’s rearguard needs strengthening before next season, and adding Lascelles to his options would be top business by the new Everton manager.