Lascelles reveals what he hopes Newcastle do during the transfer window

By Danny Wright

Jamaal Lascalles is hopeful that the Newcastle squad doesn't endure too many changes during the summer transfer window.

Toon boss Rafa Benitez is expected to make big improvements ahead of his side's return to the Premier League and has already started with the permanent acquisition of Christian Atsu.

Lascelles, 23, captained Newcastle on their way to the Championship title and has hinted that Benitez will be looking to make some crucial decisions over the summer.

“We’re a very young team. We have a great set of lads on and off the field," said the centre-back to the Newcastle Chronicle.

“We’re a very tight group. That has definitely helped us this season.

“It would be nice to see people are staying.

“Obviously, though, whatever the manager decided to do is the right thing because he’s the boss.”

Lascelles was instrumental in helping the Magpies back to the top flight and took part in all but three of their league matches throughout the course of the their league title-winning campaign.

He featured in 47 matches across all competitions and scored three goals in the process.

The ex-Nottingham Forest man formed a strong partnership with new arrival Ciaran Clark.

However the defensive line was rocked in the final two fixtures of the campaign due to a number of different injury problems which also saw Lascelles completely sidelined for the only time in the entire Championship season.

His replacements did the job though as they kept two clean sheets and earned two wins to pip Brighton to the title on the last day.

In other Newcastle news, the Magpies are in the running to sign this Serbian international.

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