Newcastle United have big decision to make as club prepare ‘formal approach’ to sign senior star

Newcastle United have limited time left to finalise any summer deals before the transfer window closes. They have enjoyed a strong recruitment drive which involved the marquee signings of Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes, but there may still be some business to sign off on before September 1st comes around.

Of course, some of the best action happens during the final week of the window and the Magpies may have another departure on the cards to follow Allan Saint-Maximin, Chris Wood and Karl Darlow.

Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth has provided an update on Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles and reports that Besiktas have a ‘strong interest’ in signing him this summer. It’s expected that they will make a ‘formal approach’ in attempt to strike a deal, despite the Tyneside club originally not entertaining any talks of a sale.

Sheth says Lascelles is happy where he is but is ‘thought to be open’ to a move away as he is searching for more game time.

The 29-year-old has been with Newcastle since 2014 and has made 225 appearances for the club overall. However, last season he found himself struggling for a regular appearances and featured in just 11 matches across all competitions. This season, Lascelles was an unused substitute for both Premier League fixtures, so clearly he is no closer to establishing himself as a regular in Eddie Howe’s starting 11 than he was last season.

If Besiktas do indeed bring a formal offer to the table, both Lascelles and Newcastle will have a decision to make. The centre-back’s current contract runs out next summer, so they may want to finalise a deal before this window closes in order to avoid losing him for free in less than 12 months’ time.

The Magpies would also benefit from a sale this summer, particularly if they are looking to bring in a replacement for the skipper.