Jamaal Lascelles would ‘love to stay’ at Newcastle amid exciting St James’ Park future

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Jamaal Lascelles has told The Telegraph he would ‘love to stay’ at St James’ Park for as long as he can, with every player ‘desperate’ to be a part of Newcastle United’s exciting future.

The skipper believes the Saudi-backed takeover in October lifted spirits around the club and has impacted how every player acts. Now, Lascelles feels the entire squad is showing themselves in a better light on and off the pitch, as well as away from the club’s facilities.

He has already felt the effect on the takeover, as well, having seemingly fallen behind Dan Burn in Eddie Howe’s pecking order. The boss sought central defensive upgrades during the January sales, and eventually struck a £13m deal with Brighton & Hove Albion for Burn.

Burn has since started seven of United’s eight Premier League games since the mid-season market closed. Whereas Lascelles has only featured in three and started two, having failed to regain a leading role since sitting out February’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa through illness.

Jamaal Lascelles would ‘love to stay’ and play part in exciting Newcastle future

This season marks Lascelles’ seventh with Newcastle, having spent the first year following his £4.5m transfer from Nottingham Forest in 2014 back at the City Ground on loan. He is also under contract for another two campaigns, after penning a six year extension in 2018.

Should the chance to leave St James’ Park before 2024 appear, Lascelles is very much likely to say no. He has little appetite for a new challenge, as having a role in the club’s exciting future captivates the defender. And Lascelles is confident he is not the only one, either.

“I’d love to stay here for as long as possible,” Lascelles said. “Who wouldn’t? I’m captain of the club, and where things are going at the minute is a fantastic thing to be part of. 

“I just think we’re all working hard. That’s the other thing, because everyone is desperate to stay and be a part of it, the level improves. Not just in the way we train, but the way people are sensible in what they do in and around the city.”

Having also stated the importance of his work off the pitch as captain, Lascelles could still have a big role at Newcastle even if the centre-half is not one of Howe’s first-choice stars.