Club officials set to fly to England in attempt to conclude Newcastle United transfer

Besiktas officials will travel to England hoping to tie up a cut-price deal for Jamaal Lascelles, according to reports.

The Turkish giants have been linked with a move for the Newcastle United captain in recent weeks. Lascelles has struggled for game time since Dan Burn’s arrival two years ago - with opportunities becoming more restricted once Sven Botman joined six months later.

Eddie Howe has relied on the 30-year-old throughout this season due to an ongoing injury crisis. However, once Botman returned, Lascelles was demoted back to the bench - throwing his future into question.

The centre-back has less than six months remaining on his current deal and is free to open negotiations with foreign clubs about a free transfer. But Newcastle may prefer to cash in this month to recoup a nominal fee for their skipper.

As it stands, NewcastleWorld understands the Magpies want to keep Lascelles due to their overstretched squad. With Burn primarily playing at left-back he remains the only natural alternative to Botman and Fabian Schar.

A report from Turkish outlet Fotomac has claimed Besiktas chiefs will jet to Tyneside to thrash out a deal for the defender. It is not stated whether this relates to a pre-agreement in the summer or if they aim to sign Lascelles this month.

Former Nottingham Forest graduate Lascelles has made 22 appearances in 2023-24 and has not let Newcastle down when called upon. He arrived as a 21-year-old in 2014 and within two years was given the armband - which he still holds - by Rafa Benitez.

Lascelles was instrumental in securing an instant return to the Premier League seven years ago and establishing United as a Premier League outfit. He is three games short of making 250 appearances for the Magpies.