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..
CHELSEA have identified Newcastle United’s skipper Jamaal Lascelles as their top defensive target when they look to make improvements this summer. They're ready to make a £50M bid. [Northern Echo]
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) February 23, 2018
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.”
So, £50M for Lascelles? I currently feel he's a cornerstone at this club. To me, he's invaluable. A £50M offer isn't a number that would comfort me the tiniest bit should he leave. If there ever was deal to be milked, this is the one. I don't want him to go, put simply. #NUFC
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) February 23, 2018
Lascelles has been the heartbeat of this Newcastle United side over the past year. £50M may seem a huge fee and one that you fear Mike Ashley would be willing to accept, however you cannot put a price on his leadership, his spirit and the way and which he gets this group going.
Right now it feels like we couldn’t afford to lose him at any price – although a certain Mike Ashley may beg to differ. A takeover seems all the more important..
i have no problem selling lacelles for the right money,thats how things are now,but not reinvesting the whole amount back in to the team would be another step back.
nossa(Quote)
You will not replace a rarity like Lascelles for 50 mil, may buy you the skill but not the all important heartbeat and soul of the team. CFC, keep your pittance.
As far as greedy Ashley concerned he’d sell his granny for far less, and he will
GeordieExile(Quote)