Chelsea are interested in signing Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles at the end of the season, claims the London Evening Standard.
Antonio Conte’s side are expected to readdress their defensive options in the summer with doubts over David Luiz’s future, coupled with the fact Gary Cahill will be 33 at the end of the year.
Chelsea want to strengthen the British core at the club and have done so in recent transfer windows following the acquisitions of Ross Barkley and Danny Drinkwater.
The defending Premier League champions have been impressed with the performances of Newcastle ace Lascelles, and also the character he has shown during their relegation battle.
However, Lascelles penned a new six-year deal in October and Rafa Benitez will do everything in his power to prevent the 24-year-old from leaving if he is still manager of the club next season.
The 24-year-old has impressed in defence and also proven a goal threat from set-pieces for the Magpies this season. In fact, only Joselu (4) has scored more Premier League goals than Lascelles (3) for Newcastle this season.
