Chelsea are reportedly planning to make Jamaal Lascelles their next John Terry and are plotting a £30 million summer move for the Newcastle captain.
According to The Mirror, Chelsea have found their new John Terry in Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles. The Englishman has been the subject of Chelsea’s interest for a while. But, it seems the Blues are ready to step up and are plotting a £30 million summer bid for the defender.
Jamaal Lascelles is one of the few bright spots and consistent players in what has been a rather rocky season for Newcastle United. A season that started off on the right note, but has since petered out, with Rafa Benitez now clamouring to get the Magpies to safety.
Lascelles has not just been a rock solid presence at the back and a leader on the pitch. But, time and again, his ability to spring up with decisive goals is one of the reasons Newcastle United find themselves seven points above the relegation zone after the end of the 31st gameweek.
But, there are off-pitch issues gripping the club as well. Newcastle United have long been linked with a takeover, with current owner Mike Ashley not seeing eye-to-eye with Rafa Benitez on the transfer policy and the funds being freed up to buy players.
The rumours have even gone on to state that the manager might part ways with the club if Mike Ashley remains the owner and the situation doesn’t improve. Lascelles has also been linked with reports that he will also seek newer pastures, if Benitez is shown the door or leaves on his own accord.
Chelsea had come forward as an assuming proposition for Lascelles. But, it seems the Blues are ready to step up their interest in the 24-year-old, earmarking the Newcastle United captain as the new leader for their own squad come summer – a la John Terry.
Indeed, the similarities are striking. Both are genuine leaders at the back and also have the tendency to prop up with goals at crucial junctures and important fixtures. At 24, the player would also be a realistic and long-term addition to the squad at Stamford Bridge.
Another thing that might play into Chelsea’s hands is the fact that Lascelles is yet to earn his senior bow for England, which means he is likely to be available for a lesser and perhaps, affordable fee than he would have had he been a full-fledged international player for the Three Lions.
Chelsea are convinced they have found their new John Terry in Lascelles and are likely to move for the player in the summer. In fact, according to the report, the Blues are planning a £30 million bid to prise him away from Newcastle when the transfer window reopens.
Currently, there does not seem to be any interest from other clubs, which means Chelsea could have a clear run-in on Lascelles. Clear pathway or not, Lascelles seems destined to be the subject of a bid from Chelsea in the summer, regardless of whether he ends up at the London-based club or not.
