Newcastle United potentially need to sell before they can buy, but they also have an extremely thin squad right now.
The Magpies are in an unenvious position at the moment, with Eddie Howe seemingly unable to improve his squad as he looks to get Newcastle’s season back on track.
His squad has been decimated by injuries, which has led to speculation over a new midfielder arriving at the club. Kalvin Phillips has been heavily linked, but a deal is yet to materialise at this moment in time due to Manchester City’s lofty financial demands.
The problem Newcastle have got is that they are almost at the limit of financial fair play, or profit and sustainability.
One way to ease that issue is to move players on, with Javi Manquillo set to depart. It looks like he is off to Celta Vigo to be reunited with Rafa Benitez.
And talk of Manquillo has coincided with an offer being made for another Newcastle defender.
Jamaal Lascelles linked with Newcastle exit
It has been reported in Turkey that Besiktas have made an offer for Toon captain Jamaal Lascelles.
They were interested in the 30-year-old in the summer, but a move failed to materialise.
That will have been much to the delight of Jamaal Lascelles, who has enjoyed an extended run in the team this season. He came into the starting XI after Sven Botman’s injury, performing brilliantly alongside Fabian Schar. In the words of Dan Burn, he was ‘unbelievable‘.
He was instrumental in huge wins over PSG, Arsenal and Manchester United, but is now back on the bench following Botman’s return to fitness.
However, letting him go would be a huge mistake.
Selling Lascelles would be a huge mistake
Given Newcastle’s injury record this season, it would be a huge risk to sell Lascelles. He would have to be replaced, and we are already seeing how tricky the January transfer window can be as we search for a midfielder.
Newcastle do need to sign a centre-back this year, but rushing to do it now would be a mistake. You rarely get good value in January, which is what Newcastle need – as the player they will sign should be brought in to be Botman’s future partner at the back.
For now, Newcastle must stick with Lascelles. He has proven himself to be reliable, at a time when a lot of people were doubting his credentials. But he stood up and excelled.
If Newcastle suffered another injury in defence, there would be no qualms about Lascelles coming into the side. He may only be a squad player now, but he can be trusted to do a job – and trust is a massive thing for Eddie Howe.
Right now, the best thing to do is keep Lascelles. The only issue is his contract situation, with his current deal due to expire in the summer.
That does complicate matters, as this is potentially the last chance to recoup some money on him – unless he is in line for a new deal, which perhaps he should be after his performances this season.
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