Some positive news coming from The Chronicle today, who reveal that Rafa Benitez plans to reward his best performers with new deals in the coming weeks – and Jamaal Lascelles looks set to be the first, with news that the club captain is ‘very close’ to signing a new improved contract.
Despite a disappointing defeat to Brighton on Sunday, we have made a solid start to life back in the Premier League and it appears Rafa wants to hand some well earned rewards to his standout performers.
The Chronicle report than the Spaniard has made a case for ‘several’ squad members to be handed extensions, to reward them for their contributions both this season and over the past year, with many players doing a sterling job to get us back up into the top flight. A smart move from Rafa to give the current crop a well earned pat on the back for their efforts over the past 12 months.
It seems club captain Jamaal Lascelles will be the first of many to be rewarded, with claims that the centre-back is ‘very close’ to penning a new deal. The Chronicle state that the England prospects extension is expected to be confirmed in the coming days, with the club and the player’s agents having all but come to an agreement.
Paul Dummett divides opinion amongst supporters, but Benitez’s trusted left-back is out of contract next summer and could be one who is handed an extension, whilst the likes of Rob Elliot could be another rewarded for his excellent displays over the past few seasons, with his current deal set to expire in just over 2 years time.
Mo Diame and Jack Colback see their deals run out at the end of next season, however it appears unlikely that either (especially that latter!) will see their deals renewed barring a miraculous turn around in form.
I’d rather have Colback over Diame any day – at least he looks like he’s trying!
Trevor Reaveley(Quote)