Pundit slams ‘awful’ Lascelles as ‘£80m’ Newcastle signings touted
Newcastle must spend £80m and “completely overhaul” their defence, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, slammed Jamaal Lascelles for his “awful” display against Leicester.
Lascelles, 28, had a torrid time as Newcastle slumped to a 4-0 away defeat against the Foxes on Sunday (12 December).
The defender gave away a penalty for Leicester’s opener, won 0/2 ground duels and lost possession on nine occasions during the clash (SofaScore).
Whelan urged Newcastle to follow the lead of Arsenal and revamp their rearguard in the coming transfer windows.
“The quality just isn’t there at the back for Newcastle,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“There’s been far too many mistakes from centre-halves. Lascelles was awful again this week – diving in, not marking properly.
“You look at certain individuals and their mistakes – it’s happening far too much. It’s been going on for two and a half years, and they need to address the centre-halves – just as Arsenal did by signing Gabriel and Ben White.
“Lascelles has been there consistently throughout these tough seasons for Newcastle – and he’s been consistently at fault.
“They have to spend about £80million and completely overhaul that defence. It might not be this season, but it’s what they will need to do. That’s got to be their first port of call.”
Newcastle remain in the Premier League relegation zone following the defeat – sitting three points from safety.
The Magpies have conceded the most top-flight goals this season (34).
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