Jamaal Lascelles exit could be delayed but Newcastle have 'options' amid Besiktas transfer interest

Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles is once again attracting interest from Turkey

Aaron Stokes Newcastle United Editor

19:00, 18 Jan 2024

Jamaal Lascelles' Newcastle United future is unclear with his deal on Tyneside approaching its end and interest from Besiktas emerging for the second time in a matter of months. The club captain was tracked by the Turkish club towards the end of the summer window but remained at St James' Park before playing a key, unexpected role in the first half of Newcastle's season.

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Besiktas' interest re-emerged on Thursday as news broke in Turkey. SportsDigitale journalist, Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, who boasts over 1million followers on Twitter, posted the transfer update on his account to much fanfare, reporting an 'official bid' had been made for Lascelles.

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With the 30-year-old out of contract in the summer, it may be that the defender signs a pre-contract deal with the Istanbul outfit, delaying his exit until the summer. Given Newcastle's relative lack of cover in that department, fans would likely stomach that over an imminent exit.

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An immediate move before the end of January would likely result in Newcastle receiving just a few million for the former Nottingham Forest star. Lascelles penned a six-year deal under Rafa Benitez, estimated to be worth roughly £55,000-a-week.

Eddie Howe has made his feelings clear on Lascelles' future after the centre-back stepped up to once again become a first-team regular in Sven Botman's lengthy absence. “I’m sure contract talks with Jamaal… I’m just trying to wrack my brain as to where his contract is at, but I think he is part of our long-term future, for sure," the Newcastle boss said over the festive period.

Lascelles' exit would leave a gaping hole at the heart of Howe's defence. Given Newcastle will not be spending vast amounts of money on new arrivals this month, it would give club bosses another headache in the winter market.

But Newcastle do have options if he does depart. Dan Ashworth has made it a priority to strengthen the club's academy and youth setup in recent years, with the Magpies purchasing some highly-rated defenders from across the United Kingdom, Ireland and the continent.

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Cathal Heffernan and Charlie McArthur, both 18, are likely too inexperienced to be in with a shout of stepping into the senior squad in Lascelles' place but the duo are thought of highly after arriving from AC Milan and Kilmarnock, respectively, since the 2021 takeover. The two defenders were Under-21 manager Ben Dawson's go to pairing in the UEFA Youth League earlier in the season.

Alex Murphy, 19, is a defender who has experienced first-team football under Howe and impressed greatly during the USA tour last summer. He is likely more equipped for a regular role in and around the senior side after making Newcastle's Premier League matchday squad on nine occasions this term.

Or does Lascelles' exit push Newcastle in a different direction? With limited funds currently available this month, would a sudden exit cause bosses to allocate funds initially squirrelled away for the summer to bring forward transfer plans?

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Newcastle have been linked with Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande, with the Ivorian attracting interest after stellar displays in Portugal. With Schar edging towards the business end of his career, his successor is likely to be brought in sooner rather than later.

Those plans may accelerate even faster should Lascelles depart too.