Newcastle United transfer boost as Premier League man undergoes medical

Besiktas appear to have ditched their pursuit of Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles, according to reports.

Speculation emerged in the January transfer window linking the Toon skipper with a move away. Lascelles has less than six months remaining on his Newcastle contract

Turkish outlets claimed Besiktas chiefs flew to Tyneside hoping to conclude a deal for the 30-year-old but met a swift rebuff. They wanted to sign Lascelles on a free transfer - given his contract situation - an offer Newcastle rejected.

The centre-back has struggled for game time under Eddie Howe but was called upon earlier in the campaign during Sven Botman’s injury. However, Lascelles returned to the bench as soon as the Dutchman returned.

With Dan Burn playing at left-back, Lascelles remains the only cover in the heart of defence and Newcastle are understood to want him at the club beyond his current contract. Besiktas seem to have given up on signing the Toon veteran as they are close to signing Nottingham Forest outcast Joe Worrall.

The Athletic claim he is undergoing a medical after being frozen out at the City Ground. Just one minute of Premier League action since October has resulted in Worrall - who arrived as a 14-year-old - becoming a forgotten man at Forest.

Contracted until 2026, Worrall is expected to join the Super Lig giants on loan until the end of the season. Turkish clubs have until February 9 to conclude their winter transfer business. Any deal for Worrall will likely kill Besiktas’ hopes of signing Lascelles until the summer.