Jamaal Lascelles “concentrating” on Newcastle after failed West Ham bid

Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles has insisted that he is focused on pre-season in the north-east despite strong interest from West Ham United. 

Lascelles joined the club from Nottingham Forest back in 2014 and has gone on to make 94 league appearances for the Geordie club.

Under Rafael Benitez’s guidance, Newcastle managed to finish last season well away from the relegation zone in 10th, despite being one of the pre-season favourites to go down.

This was in part due to the solid defensive structure Benitez installed into the side, basing his play around centre-back and club captain Lascelles.

The Englishman’s excellent form prompted West Ham into tabling a bid in the region of £25m for the talented defender, however, Newcastle declined the offer.

Speaking to reporters via Sky Sports, Lascelles stressed that he is firmly set on playing football this season with Newcastle and that he can’t wait for the new season to get started.

“I’m just concentrating on playing football, on playing for Newcastle,” Lascelles said. “Get this pre-season out of the way and starting the first game of the season against Tottenham hopefully flying.”

Lascelles also touched on the Benitez-effect, stating that he owes a lot to the current Newcastle manager for reigniting his career at the club.

“When I came here the first season it was quite frustrating, in and out of the team and on the bench for most of it, but again the minute the manager (Benitez) came in he’s been fantastic for me and he’s been fantastic for the club and the city and everyone as a whole,” Lascelles added.

“I definitely think he’s had a huge impact on my development as a player and as a man and I definitely feel like I’m still growing and I want to give 100 per cent next season like I did last season.”

Newcastle start their season against Spurs on Saturday, August 11 at St James’ Park.

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