Everton withdraw interest in Newcastle United defender

Everton are reported to have ended their interest in signing Jamaal Lascelles from Newcastle United during the ongoing transfer window.

The Toffees had been tipped to pursue the Magpies captain earlier in the mix with manager Marco Silva said to be keen on a major reshuffle of the club's backline.

However, according to the Newcastle Chronicle, new director of football Marcel Brands has decided to withdraw the interest in Lascelles with the focus more on replacing Leighton Baines in the left-back spot.

The 33-year-old has been linked with a potential exit from Goodison amid his drop in performances in recent seasons and the club are keen to solve the position first before concentrating on other areas of the field.

Everton have yet to make any sort of signing during the ongoing transfer window and they have already removed some of the deadwood from the existing squad.

Ramiro Funes Mori recently made the switch to Villareal after struggling to establish himself following a long-term injury and the likes of Wayne Rooney and Joel Robles have since followed him through the exit door.