Nottingham Forest are among a host of clubs that want to sign Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles, The Athletic has claimed.
The Reds won promotion to the Premier League on Sunday and now the emphasis will be placed on recruitment.
The ex-Forest star has slipped down the pecking order at Newcastle and at 28, he will want to be playing regular football.
Lascelles started just 22 games during 2021/22, failing to really convince Eddie Howe that he should be a mainstay in the team.
Now, Forest could make an ambitious move for their former defender.
Lascelles left the City Ground under a cloud of controversy. Former owner Fawaz Al Hasawi sold the centre-back and goalkeeper Karl Darlow against Stuart Pearce’s wishes.
It’s fair to say he’s made a name for himself at Newcastle. He’s made 214 appearances and helped the club re-establish itself as a Premier League club.
Now, the Magpies have big plans. Given their new Saudi wealth, several players will be targeted and Lascelles looks like being a fall guy.
Given his age, he doesn’t really fit the profile of a Dane Murphy signing.
Forest would have to pay a transfer fee for their former star and he also earns £55,000-a-week at St James’ Park.
Forest want Lascelles but they must tread carefully
This is a difficult one. Lascelles came through the Forest academy but there is a sense that it would be merely sentimental.
Lascelles has fallen out of favour at Newcastle and that could mean his confidence is particularly low.
Interestingly, Newcastle’s form in the second half of the season came once the defender had become a less frequent member of the starting eleven.
There’s also the fact that Forest are well-stocked at centre-back.
Yes, there’s a sense that Steve Cook isn’t getting any younger but ultimately, he’s likely to remain part of the squad.
Lascelles was on the cusp of the England squad a couple of years ago.
It’s fair to say that his form has dropped off considerably in recent years though and as a result, Forest must carefully weigh up this move.
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