North East report shares worrying news on Chelsea's pursuit of Jamaal Lascelles

Some concerning claims coming from the Northern Echo today, who state that Chelsea have made Jamaal Lascelles their 'top defensive target' this summer and could pay £50m to sign the Newcastle captain.

This all comes following yesterday's report from the Evening Standard, who claimed that the Blues had been 'monitoring' him for two years and were considering a summer bid. If the Echo are to be believed, that bid could be a big one..

https://twitter.com/NUFC360/status/966934968533422080

Here's a snippet from the Northern Echo, stating that the NUFC skipper has emerged as their 'top defensive target':

"Chelsea have identified Newcastle United’s skipper Jamaal Lascelles as their top defensive target when they look to make improvements this summer.

"The Blues have admired the 24-year-old since he led the Magpies to the Championship title and have been just as impressed with how he has handled life in the Premier League.

"Chelsea - who considered an £18m bid 18 months ago - are looking at ways of improving the squad and seem certain to offload Gary Cahill before the start of next season and replace him with a younger player.

"But the Stamford Bridge hierarchy are well aware that they will have to spend big to land the former Nottingham Forest centre-back – and it was only last month when Rafa Benitez suggested Lascelles was worth a staggering £50m."