Newcastle United have been forced to speed up their search for a centre-back after learning that Jamaal Lascelles will be ruled out until Christmas.
The Magpies are already in the market for a replacement for Sven Botman who could be missing until December after also suffering a knee injury. Lascelles limped off after just 16 minutes against West Ham to add to Howe's injury woes and emergency conversations have already taken place.
READ MORE: Amanda Staveley gets glimpse of future after ruthless call as Newcastle make mockery of 2% claim
READ MORE: Kalvin Phillips' furious gesture to West Ham fan after being called 'useless' against Newcastle
United are already down to the bare bones with just Fabian Schar, who struggled through the game with a knock, Dan Burn and long serving defender Paul Dummett the options at centre-back. The injury blow for Lascelles means that Newcastle will certainly be investing in a new centre-back in the summer window while it could also see Dummett's contract renewed with Howe keen on keeping the former Wales international in his squad.
Newcastle stated on Easter Sunday: "United can confirm that club captain Jamaal Lascelles suffered a rupture to the ACL in his right knee during Saturday's victory over West Ham United.
"After seeing a specialist consultant, he is expected to undergo surgery next week and will be out for six-to-nine months. Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Jamaal for a full and speedy recovery."
Newcastle scouts have already taken a look at Ousmane Diomande of Sporting Lisbon throughout the season. The 20-year-old Ivory Coast star is a right-footed centre-back who is rated at £68million in the Portuguese media.
The other Sporting Lisbon star that United are credited with an interest in is Goncalo Inacio who can play on either the left or right hand side of the heart of defence. Newcastle have also looked at Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite with chief scout Steve Nickson also taking a close look at the ex-Carlisle kid.
Newcastle United transfer news straight to your phone on WhatsApp
It's quick and easy to join. Just click this link and select 'Join Community' to get started.
Plus you can follow our new Newcastle United channel right here - just follow this link
Your informational will be hidden, you'll only ever receive messages from the Chronicle Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. For more information, click here. You can read our Privacy Notice here.
