Newcastle United have rejected a bid from West Ham worth up to £25million for defender Jamaal Lascelles, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
The reliable journalist claimed via his personal Twitter account on Tuesday that the initial fee is worth £20million, but would rise by £5million in the future as Manuel Pellegrini continues to look at bolstering his defence at the London Stadium.
BREAKING: Newcastle have rejected a bid from West Ham for captain Jamaal Lascelles as out of hand. The offer was £20m rising to £25m. We’re told Lascelles is not for sale. More on @SkySportsNews
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) July 10, 2018
However it is understood that West Ham’s Premier League rivals Newcastle are not interested in selling Lascelles this summer.
Good move for West Ham?
Lascelles was solid at the back for Newcastle last season and would be a very impressive addition to Pellegrini’s defence if he is able to get him in.
The former Nottingham Forest centre-back made 35 appearances in all competitions last term for the St James’ Park club, scoring three goals in the process.
The 24-year-old is a born leader and would certainly help West Ham to concede less goals next season should they be able to snap him up, but they should not go out and spent a stupid sum on him because there are options out there that are just as good and could be cheaper.
This is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
It’s hard to see the club going to spend more than £25million for Lascelles, especially when Pellegrini has already spent £22million on Issa Diop.
Newcastle are remaining firm in their stance too and it would more than likely take a huge bid for them to consider accepting.
Rafa Benitez does not have a lot of money to play around with, but Lascelles is just one player he cannot afford to let leave.
This is Futbol rating 4/10