Many Newcastle United fans have turned to Twitter to rubbish the suggestion that Premier League rivals Everton could snap up firm favourite Jamaal Lascelles after a transfer plot was reported.
The Guardian journalist Ed Aarons claims on his personal Twitter account that the Toffees are plotting a raid for the English powerhouse after his impressive performances at St James’ Park, where he has flourished under manager Rafael Benitez.
Everton are interested in signing Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles #efc #nufc
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) August 1, 2018
The Toon Army were quick to try and criticise suggestions of a move for the centre back, who is also Newcastle’s captain, with many suggesting it was unrealistic that Everton could prise him away from Tyneside.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the supporters’ best tweets in response:
But do they have £200M to spend? All up front, we don't take installments anymore.
— NUFC360 (@NUFC360) August 1, 2018
Who wouldn’t be? #NUFC
— James Knowlson (@jimknowlson) August 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/Mitcho1992/status/1024629905932406786
Good luck with that.
— Wayne Haselden (@WayneHaselden) August 1, 2018
Not happening.
— Keith Ross (@Keith_Ross1976) August 1, 2018
So are West Ham, Liverpool, and Chelsea, he's not for sale.
— Matthew (@JB4t00n) August 1, 2018
And water is wet.
— Toon Man (@us_toon) August 1, 2018
And im interested in signing Lionel Messi
— Byernysern (@byernysern) August 1, 2018
Opinion
It is fair to say that Newcastle fans are somewhat reluctant to see Lascelles go anywhere this summer, and for good reason. He was an absolute rock at the heart of the defence and his performances seemingly had him in contention for a call up to the England squad. Everton need some fresh blood to help reduce the average age of their back line but there would be riots on Tyneside if they were to poach Lascelles from Newcastle. Still, money talks, especially when Mike Ashley is involved, and if Farhad Moshiri slaps down a mega money offer on the table for the defender, he could well be making the move from the north west to the north east. That would likely be the last straw not only for fans, but for manager Rafael Benitez too.