Last week, Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu reported that Besiktas had submitted an ‘official offer’ for Newcastle United centre-back Jamaal Lascelles.
That link has gone quiet in recent days, with possible exits for Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron all taking centre stage, but there’s been an update from the Turkish media today on a potential move for Lascelles.
According to Fotomac, Besiktas officials are due to fly out to Newcastle in the ‘coming days’ to hold talks over a deal.
It’s not clear if the Super Lig giants are planning to negotiate a January transfer or discuss a pre-contract agreement, with the latter very possible now Lascelles is entering the final six months of his deal at Newcastle.
The report adds that Eddie Howe is keen to keep the captain in his squad for the remainder of the season, which makes sense when he’s the next in line should one of Sven Botman or Fabian Schar get injured. With that in mind, it could make sense for all parties if discussions centre around a summer move, if a January exit won’t be sanctioned by the club.
That said, I wouldn’t rule out a late move for the skipper if Besiktas made a tempting offer. This window is our last chance to receive a fee and it’s clear from recent reports (and Darren Eales’ interview earlier this month) that sales could be key to ease FFP concerns and free up some cash to spend on incomings.
