Newcastle ‘can’t afford’ to lose duo in line to quit the club – ‘Would be a big blow’, says pundit
It would be a “big blow” for Newcastle United to lose both Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles as free agents.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers and Tottenham defender Alan Hutton claimed the Magpies “can’t afford” to lose the duo, whose contracts expire at the end of the season.
Eddie Howe’s side have been struck by significant injuries this season and key parts of their backline, including Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier, have missed portions of the campaign.
As revealed by Football Insider (2 January), the club are keen to loan a centre-back this month to ease pressure on their injury-hit backline.
Lascelles remains on the treatment table but Howe has been boosted by the return of Botman in recent weeks.
Hutton was adamant that the club should renew both Lascelles’ and Schar’s contracts after they’ve proved themselves vital to the club.
“I think it would be a huge blow for them at this moment in time,” he told Football Insider.
“They can’t afford to lose anyone else, so they should renew.
“Obviously, Sven Botman was out for a significant period of time with injury and it seems there’s one in and one out at the moment.
“Both Schar and Lascelles have come in well. I thought possibly Lascelles’ time could have been over at Newcastle even though he was the club captain.
“He didn’t seem to be the first choice but he’s come back in and shown that he’s still more than capable of playing for the club.
“It’ll be an interesting one to see come the end of the season.”
In other news, Sources: Newcastle make contact with Diomande’s camp as they race Arsenal for deal.