Rafael Benitez is hoping skipper Jamaal Lascelles stays at Newcastle next season amid claims that Chelsea are leading a pack of potential suitors who are willing to pay £30million for him.
Despite the fact his own future at St James’ Park is in doubt as his representatives discuss a contract extension, the manager is already planning for the new campaign and is keen to retain the services of his 24-year-old captain.
Asked if he is expecting a summer bid for the central defender, who will line up against Chelsea on Sunday, Benitez said: “We are talking about a young centre-back, a young English centre-back.
“There are not too many young centre-backs who can play in the Premier League and they are English, so he has many positive things.
“The main one for me is he is keen to learn, so then you have all the potential. Does that mean that a lot of clubs will be interested? Yes. Can they sign him? I don’t think so, but we will see.”
Having been limited in his efforts to strengthen his squad in the last 12 months as a result of the financial constraints under which he has had to work, Benitez has concentrated on improving the players he already had at his disposal.
He is confidant most of them have progressed, and none more so than Lascelles.
