Wolverhampton Wanderers are eyeing up a summer swoop for Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles as Julen Lopetegui looks to continue the major rebuilding of his squad.
What’s the latest on Jamaal Lascelles to Wolves?
According to the Northern Echo, the Magpies are willing to listen to offers for Lascelles during the summer window, with the Old Gold and Nottingham Forest holding an interest in the defender.
The report states that Wolves have scouted the 29-year-old in the past and with just 18 months remaining on his current £40k-per-week contract, Loeptegui would be able to secure him for a bargain fee most likely.
Could Lascelles become Lopetegui’s next Craig Dawson?
The Molineux outfit signed Dawson from West Ham United during the January transfer window, having pursued him since the summer window and it looks as though the £3.3m fee could prove to be a bargain.
His opening two matches for the club have seen the 32-year-old receive an average rating of 7.4/10 via Sofascore, while he even scored on his debut against Liverpool, and having conceded just one goal in those two matches, it is already looking like a move that could pay off handsomely.
Lascelles has had his issues this campaign, playing only four matches in the Premier League, however his experience and leadership qualities would be a big bonus for Lopetegui.
Toon boss Eddie Howe praised the centre-back in November, saying:
“He has been and will be our leader.
“He hasn’t been on the pitch as much as he probably would have liked but his status in the group, everyone looks to him as captain. His work rate and training standards have been exemplary.”
Magpies legend Alan Shearer even claimed the defender “gives everything” and a player like this would a wonderful addition to the Wolves squad – even if he wasn’t a regular starter.
Indeed, despite his lack of top-flight matches this term, he has shone in the League Cup, averaging a rating of 7.2/10 across three appearances, scoring once, averaging 61.3 touches and 1.3 interceptions per game while winning a staggering 75% of his total duels, clearly proving he can still perform when called upon.
Lopetegui could repeat his Dawson masterclass by signing Lascelles, a player who is ready to move on from his current club, and by adding another English player, he will also boost the club’s homegrown quota in the process.
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