Newcastle boss not surprised about Chelsea Lascelles interest

Chelsea are in the running to sign Newcastle club captain Jamaal Lascelles in the summer transfer window.  Toon Army manager Rafael Benitez commented on the situation, insisting that he is not surprised that the Blues are being linked with a mega money summer transfer bid for the centre-back.

Lascelles has been a rock at the heart of Newcastle's defence this season and it is reported that the Blues could make a £32 million transfer bid as soon as the transfer window reopens.

Newcastle boss Benitez quipped: “We are talking about a young English centre-back and there are not too many English centre-backs who are young, who can play in the Premier League.

“So he has so many positive things and the main one thing for me is that he is keen to learn.

“So he has a lot of potential so a lot of clubs will be interested. Will they be able to sign him? I don’t think so.”

Arsenal are also rumoured to be in the race to sign the defender.