Senior Newcastle man set to leave after eight years on Tyneside; Forest and Wolves interested

Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles looks set to leave St. James’ Park at the end of the season, with interest from Nottingham Forest and Wolves, according to reports. 

The 29-year-old signed for the Magpies back in 2019 and played a particularly key role as his team were promoted from the Championship in 2017.

Lascelles has featured infrequently this season, however, so it seems likely that Eddie Howe will be looking to move him on next summer.

Indeed, the centre-back has made just four appearances in the Premier League this term, with his only start coming in a defeat to Liverpool in August.

Now, it is believed that the Englishman is looking to play first-team football elsewhere, with two Premier League clubs interested.

According to the Northern Echo, Nottingham Forest and Wolves are the most likely to make a bid for the experienced defender at the end of the season.

This would potentially be the third deal that Forest do with the Magpies in 2023, after Chris Wood (loan) and Jonjo Shelvey joined the side in January.

Lascelles’ departure is expected to be part of a big clear out with teammates such as Matt Ritchie, Jamal Lewis and Ryan Fraser set to leave the club.

The right time for Lascelles to leave Newcastle

Given how successful Newcastle have been this season without Lascelles featuring regularly, it seems like the right time for both the player and the club for him to leave.

Howe has relied upon the likes of Sven Botman, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn as his main centre-backs and it’s fair to say they’ve been a resounding success.

In fact, Newcastle have kept more clean sheets than any other team in the Premier League this season, with 12.

This is, of course, is partly thanks to the outstanding performances of Nick Pope, but the Magpies’ defenders have to take a lot of the credit, too.

Lascelles’ contract is set to expire in June 2024, so he should be available for a nominal fee in the summer.

His experience will be appealing to both Wolves and Forest, as he has helped keep Newcastle in the Premier League in the past.

Forest are definitely in need of new defenders, after conceding the fourth-most goals in the division and as a result, are not out of danger yet.

Wolves have also looked shoddy at the back at times, conceding 31 goals in 22 matches, so a defender like Lascelles could be ideal for them, especially if Conor Coady stays at Everton after his loan deal expires. 

Ultimately, with both clubs interested and both in the midst of a relegation battle, Lascelles’ destination will likely be decided on who remains in the Premier League.

READ MORE: Top Eddie Howe winger target named as Newcastle forced to settle on £45m Anthony Gordon