Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles wanted by European giants with defender set for another spell as back-up
JAMAAL LASCELLES is a target for Turkish outfit Besiktas.
The Newcastle captain has fallen down the pecking order under Eddie Howe, with Fabian Schar and Sven Botman his first-choice centre-back partnership.
Lascelles, 30, has started 12 of the Toon’s 20 Prem games this season.
But the majority have been as cover for injured Botman – who has now returned.
Besiktas are sixth in the Turkish Super Lig and are hoping for a boost in the second half of the season.
They already have former Prem stars Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arthur Masuaku, Daniel Amartey and Cenk Tosun on their books.
And Lascelles could be the next to make the move to Istanbul.
Besiktas are in need of a centre-back after releasing Eric Bailly.
The ex-Manchester United star was one of several stars banned for poor performances.
But Bailly made an immediate return to football by signing a deal with former club Villarreal just one day after his exit.
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As for the other top-flight stars at Besiktas, ex-Arsenal and Liverpool man Oxlade-Chamberlain has enjoyed the best time with four goals in 20 games.
Former Everton striker Tosun has just one goal in five games.
Ex-West Ham defender Masuaku has played 17 times.
But former Leicester ace Amartey has featured just twice.
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