OPINION
West Ham have seen a £25million bid for Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles rejected but they shouldn’t let that put them off.
According to the Daily Mail the Hammers have been told that the Magpies will not sell their club captain after Manuel Pellegrini’s side put in an eight-figure in order to try and lure Lascelles to the London Stadium.
However the national newspaper goes on to state that Mike Ashley’s stance on selling the club’s key player could change if a bid in excess of the club’s valuation for him is submitted.
It was previously claimed by the London Evening Standard that the Magpies would be willing to part with Lascelles for an offer in the region of £45million.
While that is a staggering amount of money the Hammers shouldn’t be put off and must continue their pursuit of the centre-back who currently earns £40,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac) at St James Park.
The Magpies’ 24-year-old defender would be a sensational signing for Pellegrini to make either this summer or even in January if the club have to wait to break down their Premier League’s resistance about selling him.
Lascelles is a fantastic centre-back who could instantly cure the Hammers’ problems at the back that saw them conceded 68 goals in 34 league games last season.
The 24-year-old is Premier League proven having made 51 appearances in England’s top-flight, strong in the air, a rock at the back and a capable passer of the ball.
Also due to him captaining the Magpies Lascelles has consistently showed strong leadership qualities that will enable him to become a vital member of the Hammers’ locker room if recruited.
If it wasn’t for the 24-year-old stellar performances during his 33 league outings for Benitez’s side last season, his side’s defence may have leaked goals that would have inevitable led to them finishing closer to the relegation zone.
While there will be a lot of hassle when it comes to getting the 24-year-old’s signature as the Magpies will remain rightfully stubborn about holding onto him, the Hammers must continue to pursue him.
Lascelles due to his age is a long-term solution to the Hammers’ defensive problems and alongside new recruit Issa Diop the pair could establish a dominate partnership for years to come.
Therefore while the Hammers may not be successful in this window due to the amount of money needed for Lascelles, the London club must still continue to pursue the defender’s services as he would be a very worthwhile signing for the club to make in the near future.
