Liverpool will made the trip to St James' Park to face Newcastle on Monday nightplaceholder image
Liverpool will made the trip to St James' Park to face Newcastle on Monday night | Getty Images
Liverpool could snap up a deal for this experienced Newcastle United star
Newcastle United are willing to sell one of their senior players this month and Liverpool could use the opportunity to knock on their door again.
The Reds secured the British record signing of Alexander Isak last summer, despite the Magpies initially standing firm on him not being for sale. His move to Anfield has been far from the fairytale many expected, though.
Isak is currently out injured and hasn’t played since December. He isn’t expected back until March after undergoing surgery on a broken leg. Prior to his absence, the Swede scored just three goals in 16 appearances in all competitions.
Why Liverpool should target Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles
Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles is out of contract this summer and the club are willing to let him leave this window if the right offer comes along. That’s according to Chronicle Live, who report that the Magpies are ‘keen’ to get his wages off their books. The report claims Lascelles earns around £45,000 per week plus bonuses.
The 32-year-old has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs recently, with Bournemouth, Leeds United and West Ham all named. Newcastle have reportedly told Lascelles ‘he can leave the club if the right deal is found’.
Liverpool are in dire need of strengthening their backline and will likely use the summer as a chance to complete a significant defensive overhaul. Ibrahima Konate is expected to leave the club as a free agent, while Joe Gomez is also likely headed for the exit after coming close to an AC Milan move last summer.
Lascelles has a glaring injury history but as a rotational player, he could be a great signing for the Reds. Liverpool can either wait to sign him in the summer or pay what will likely be a small fee this month to push a deal through. Transfermarkt currently value him at €2 million (£1.7m).
Right now, Liverpool need cover after seeing Joe Gomez go off injured against Bournemouth to leave them with just two fit senior options at centre-back. An 18-month offer to Lascelles to cover in the short-term and then provide leadership and add to the club’s homegrown quota is something that makes sense for all parties.
Is Jamaal Lascelles injured?
Lascelles hasn’t been playing recently but it’s not because of an injury, says Eddie Howe. Chronicle Live suggests the club could be ‘protecting’ him ahead of a move prior to Deadline Day.
Howe himself has admitted there is a possibility that Lascelles will leave Newcastle.
“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.”
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