West Ham United given green light to complete Newcastle United swoop
Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles is attracting interest from another Premier League club.
Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles is attracting interest ahead of his likely exit this month.
Lascelles has made 253 appearances for the Magpies since joining from Nottingham Forest a decade ago but only two of those have come this season - both of which were substitute appearances against AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal in September.
Newcastle are in the midst of a defensive injury crisis, with Lascelles among five defenders currently unavailable. Only Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall are available for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Jamaal Lascelles not currently training with Newcastle United squad
Tino Livramento became the latest casualty when he picked up a hamstring injury in Saturday’s FA Cup third round penalty shootout victory against AFC Bournemouth. He is expected to be out between six to eight weeks.
United are also awaiting news on how long Fabian Schar will be out for after he was stretchered off with ankle ligament damage in last Wednesday’s 4-3 comeback against Leeds United.
Dan Burn is closest to returning but is still thought to be a couple of weeks away, while there is no definitive return date for Emil Krafth or Lascelles.
Krafth has been sidelined since November after picking up a knee injury on international duty with Sweden. That is also the last time Lascelles was included in a Newcastle matchday squad as he makes his way back to the fitness levels required of him.
Jamaal Lascelles emerges as target for West Ham United
Part of the reason why Newcastle are being cautious with Lascelles is that they’ve given him permission to leave this month.
The 32-year-old is out of contract in June and is not expected to be handed a new deal. He is a huge leader behind the scenes but is some way down the pecking order when everyone is fit.
Lascelles continues to be linked with a move to Turkey but may be given an opportunity to save in the Premier League. As per Mail Sport, the former Toon skipper has emerged as a potential target for West Ham United.
The Hammers are in a battle to retain their Premier League status, currently seven points from safety. Lascelles has experienced countless relegation battles with Newcastle, while if the worst did happen, the Derby-born defender also has a Championship winners’ medal on his CV.
Eddie Howe on Jamaal Lascelles’ situation at Newcastle United
Howe addressed Lascelles’ current situation at Newcastle last week and said: “He's not training with us currently. He hasn't felt well enough physically to train... good enough. I don't necessarily think that he's injured in the sense that he's got one big injury, I just think his body's not feeling great.
“So he's not training with us currently. We hope that will change in the next few weeks.
“But yeah, there's a possibility that he could leave as well. Jamaal's been an incredible servant. He's a great leader for us behind the scenes. So, let's wait and see what happens on his future.”