Club 'not giving up' on signing Newcastle United star after agent talks

Besiktas are refusing to concede defeat in their attempt to sign Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles, according to reports.

It emerged a fortnight ago that the Turkish giants were keen on the Toon skipper. Lascelles is out of contract in the summer and Besiktas had hopes to wrap up a deal this month.

Claims from Turkey suggested club officials had flown to Tyneside to conclude a deal, with sporting director Samet Aybaba pushing for a free transfer despite Newcastle’s limited options. As it stands, Eddie Howe has no cover for Sven Botman and Fabian Schar - Lascelles aside - as Dan Burn continues to play at left-back.

The 30-year-old was called upon earlier in the campaign, with Botman sidelined due to injury. Despite impressing, Lascelles was demoted back to the bench to cast doubt over his long-term future.

Newcastle would like to keep their long-serving skipper as replacing him may prove costly but he is free to talk with foreign clubs about a summer move. It is unclear whether Lascelles prefers a Besiktas switch or if he wishes to stay in England.

A fresh report from Hurriyet claims the club remain in contact with Lascelles’ agent, with Aybaba not giving up on a possible deal. The Turkish window is open until February 9 but Newcastle are unlikely to sanction a move without being able to land a replacement.

Howe told reporters after the 3-1 win at Aston Villa that he anticipates his squad to remain unchanged when the window slams shut. He said: “I expect to be finished for the window. I think there’s now very little time left to be able to do anything, whether in or out.

“That’s where it stands. I don’t think we have the ability to do anything. As far as I know at the moment, there’s nothing going to happen, although there’s still time left.”