Report: Eddie Howe now wants to keep ‘superb’ Newcastle player amid rumours he has been put up for sale

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe now wants to keep club captain Jamaal Lascelles despite exit rumours this summer.

It was reported back in May by GiveMeSport that Lascelles had been put up for sale by the Magpies as they looked to overhaul their squad.

Then, The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder reported in a Q&A session Fulham and his former club Nottingham Forest were both interested in signing Lascelles.

But the Athletic are now claiming that Lascelles is not expected to leave the club before the end of the summer transfer window.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

They say that Howe has been impressed by Lascelles’ attitude and commitment despite losing his place in the side last season.

Dan Burn was brought in and transformed the defence, while Fabian Schar impressed next to him and earned himself a new contract.

Sven Botman has since come in and the report suggests Lascelles is now fourth-choice central defender but is expected to stay.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Last season, Howe publicly praised Lascelles’ attitude and leadership, saying: “His attitude has been spot on. He’s obviously our captain and he’s led like a captain even in a difficult moment for him because he would want to play every game.

“I always think that’s a true test of a leader is in the difficult moments and I think Jamaal has been absolutely superb – he’s been positive in the changing room before the game, during training – I cannot speak highly enough of his reaction to that.

“Let’s not forget it is only because he got a sickness bug that he missed a game and the two guys came together and have done very well since then, so it’s not a reflection on his performances because again against Chelsea I thought he was excellent.”

And it seems the Englishman is set to stay around next season, which will be Howe’s first full campaign in charge on Tyneside.

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