Lascelles to Wolves: ‘Newcastle star put to Gary O’Neil in dire transfer update’
Jamaal Lascelles as been put forward to Wolves manager Gary O’Neil as a January transfer target from Newcastle, according to a report from The Chronicle.
The 31-year-old has been part of the Magpies squad since 2015, and has made 251 appearances in all competitions for the club (Transfermarkt).
However, it seems as though there is a chance he could finally depart St James’ Park in the summer, with Wolves in “dire need” of a centre-back after selling Max Kilman to West Ham in the summer.
The Newcastle captain is apparently on the “wish list” that has been suggested to the under-pressure O’Neil, as he looks for defensive reinforcement in the battle to avoid relegation.
Lascelles’ contract with the Magpies is due to expire at the end of this season, meaning the January window could be their last chance to cash in on him.
Signing Newcastle man could be a risky move for Wolves
Football Insider Opinion
There can be no doubt that Wolves do need to sign a centre-back in January, after losing Kilman to the Hammers, and Yerson Mosquera to a season-ending injury.
O’Neil’s side have conceded 32 league goals this season, more than any other team in the Premier League, so their backline clearly needs strengthening.
You wonder though if a move to sign Lascelles from Newcastle would be the right one to help resolve that issue, even with his vast experience of top-flight football and the fact a move could suit him, given the Magpies’ links with other centre-backs.
He is 31-years-old and has not made an appearance the end of March due to a serious knee injury.
There would therefore have to be questions about if he will be fit enough to cope with the intensity, pressure and demands of a relegation battle, should he make the move to Molineux.
If it was to be a problem then the deal could leave Wolves still exposed defensively, making it hard to get the results they need to get themselves out of trouble.
In other news, Newcastle are ready to accept offers for one of their full-backs in January.
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