Chelsea transfer rumour: Newcastle's Jamaal Lascelles targeted by the Blues
Chelsea maintained their winning run last night with a comfortable 2-0 win over Southampton thanks to goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa. New manager Antonio Conte has reportedly handpicked the transfers this summer as Chelsea did not make too many signings which would have disrupted the squad this summer.
Work has already been started for the next transfer window as the targets have been identified by the board with Conte keen on a defensive upheaval next window. The Italian has Newcastle United's defender Jamaal Lascelles on his wish list as Conte seems to be interested in the idea of luring him to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have to fill up their quota of homegrown talent in the squad and that is why young English stars might make their way to London in the next transfer window. Lascelles, who was handed the skipper’s armband earlier this summer has been solid as a rock for the Magpies as Rafa Benitez's revolution continues at Tyneside.
Newcastle United sit three points clear at the top of the Championship table ahead of promotion rivals Huddersfield Town and Brighton Have Albion after a 2-1 win over Preston North End in the weekend. Newcastle have now recorded seven consecutive victories and may break their best run in 11 years if the Magpies win their next game.
Chelsea's back line have a lot of aging defenders as the likes of Gary Cahill, John Terry, and Branislav Ivanovic are all on the wrong side of 30 and won't be at the club for long. Lascelles, on the other hand, fits into Conte's plans perfectly as the 22-year-old has established himself as a robust defender who has an experience of the leagues in England.
Lascelles has started all but one game for the Magpies this season as Benitez's side is eyeing for a quick promotion after getting relegated last season. Chelsea have also rumored to be targeting the likes of Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson and Burnley’s Michael Keane with the English duo doing well this campaign.
Conte has seen the results improving under him as a change in formation has resulted in four straight victories and more importantly four clean sheets. Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso have slotted in well in the new formation along with Blues' forgotten man, Victor Moses. Chelsea are expected to be spending a huge sum next transfer window as Roman Abrahimovic is set to make a big transfer kitty available for Antonio Conte to challenge for the league title.
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