Jamaal Lascelles’ Newcastle United career could reportedly come to an end this summer.
That’s according to the Sun, who claim the Magpies skipper could be sold when the transfer window opens.
It’s set to be a huge summer of change at St James’ Park. There will be plenty of incomings and outgoings, but it’s unclear exactly who will leave the club.
We’ve been told to expect evolution not revolution, but there is a plethora of current Toon players being linked with moves away.
There are some which isn’t surprising. Ciaran Clark and Isaac Hayden were dropped from the Premier League squad, while Dwight Gayle has barely played any minutes since Eddie Howe’s arrival.
But now there is speculation that the captain could leave the club as well.
Newcastle will ‘listen to offers’ for Jamaal Lascelles
While they don’t seem to be actively looking to sell him, the Sun report that Newcastle will ‘listen to offers’ for Lascelles.
The 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order this season, particularly since Dan Burn’s arrival. Howe’s favoured duo has been Burn and Fabian Schar, leaving Lascelles on the bench. That’s not where you expect to see the man who captains the club.
Despite not playing, Howe has been full of praise, highlighting his incredible attitude after being left out.
“His attitude has been spot on,” Howe said in March.
“He’s obviously our captain and he’s led like a captain even in a difficult moment for him because he would want to play every game.
“I always think that’s a true test of a leader is in the difficult moments and I think Jamaal has been absolutely superb – he’s been positive in the changing room before the game, during training – I cannot speak highly enough of his reaction to that.”
There is also speculation that a new centre-back could arrive in the summer, which would only limit Lascelles’ minutes further.
The defender has technically been with the Magpies since 2014. He joined the club alongside Karl Darlow eight years ago, but the pair spent their first season back on loan at Nottingham Forest.
Lascelles is one of Newcastle’s longest serving players right now, but even he could be sold by the new owners this summer.
There is a very real chance that Monday’s clash with Arsenal could be his final home game as a Newcastle United player.