Transfer Talk: Magpies skipper Lascelles set to fly the nest

Jamaal Lascelles' time at Newcastle appears to be at a crossroads, with the club captain's contract expiring at the end of the season. 

Besiktas have been linked with a January move for the centre-back, who has played regularly for the Magpies of late. 

Ahead of Newcastle's match against Manchester City on Saturday evening, we examine Lascelles' options. 

Howe verdict

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was recently quizzed about Lascelles' future and a possible contract extension. 

He said: "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. 

"Jamaal has done really, really well this season and his game has come on in lots of ways. 

"Firstly, defensively, he has always been very strong aerially and you saw that recently against Fulham. 

"His defensive understanding of what we want him to do has been very good from day one. 

"His use of the ball has improved, he looks really comfortable in the team at the moment and he's playing some really good football." 

With Sven Botman having been injured for much of the season, Lascelles has made 22 appearances for Newcastle. That compares to just 11 appearances in 2022-23. 

Lascelles chance

After a disappointing 2022-23 campaign, in which Lascelles played the least number of games since making his Magpies debut in 2015, the defender has seen plenty of action this term. 

This included five games in the Champions League and a run of 12 consecutive Premier League matches, deputising for the injured Botman. 

Earlier this season, Lascelles spoke about how he has kept himself focused while on the sidelines waiting for a chance. 

He said: "Every footballer wants to play but at the same time, as much as I'm a real competitor and so hungry to play, I do understand how things work. 

"You don't change what's not broken. If a team is winning games with a really good defensive record, that doesn't really get changed. 

"I respect the manager's decisions and I want to do what is right for the badge. All I can do is work hard on myself and be ready when called upon." 

Having shown what he could do when given an opportunity in the team, Lascelles picked up an injury of his own, which has seen him lose his place over recent games. 

Decision time

Lascelles now has a decision to make regarding his future. 

Fabian Schar has just extended his contract at Newcastle and along with Botman, forms part of Howe's first-choice central defensive pairing. 

As good as Lascelles has been when deputising, he now finds himself waiting for another chance. 

Besiktas are interested him, having previously made a move for the 30-year-old last summer. 

It would be a surprise if St James' Park chiefs were willing to let him go in January, as it would leave them short of defensive cover. 

Yet even if that is the case, Lascelles has the option of letting his contract run down and having his pick of clubs when his deal expires. 

Based on what Howe has said, it would seem like the Magpies will try to persuade him to agree to new terms.

It will be up to Lascelles to decide whether he wants to stay at a club where he seems valued and settled, or move on to find regular football.