Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez insists Chelsea and Liverpool target Jamaal Lascelles will not be sold this summer

NEWCASTLE UNITED are set to put up a fight for defender Jamaal Lascelles this summer as Chelsea and Liverpool express their interest.

The 24-year old is set to play his 100th game for Newcastle today as they take on West Brom.

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Rafa Benitez insists Chelsea and Liverpool target Jamaal Lascelles will not be sold this summer[/caption]

During his time at St James Park Lascelles has grown into an impressive centre-back after being snapped up from Nottingham Forest back in 2014.

At just 22-years-old Jamaal Lascelles was handed the armband, making him the youngest captain in the Premier league.

Jamaal Lascelles played an important part with his attitude and motivation after relegation, Benitez saw him as the cement in raising team moral as they returned to the top flight after just one season.

Lascelles is emerging as one of the best young English defenders in the top flight and as the summer transfer window approaches it’s no wonder other Premier League clubs are looking to snap him up.

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Jamaal Lascelles has been the key to Newcastle’s success over the past two years.[/caption]

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Rafa Benitez is desperate for Lascelles to stay at St James’ Park next season.[/caption]

As he is set to start his 100th game for Newcastle this afternoon, Benitez said: “He’s quite young to play that amount of games.”

“Hopefully he can be here for 500 games or more. To be a leader on and off the pitch for a young player is great.”

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“He is still learning but he can get better, on the pitch and off it.”

Fans favourite Jamaal Lascelles is set to be the Magpie’s player of the season with his passion and commitment on the field.

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Newcastle are heading for a top 10 finish in the Premier League.[/caption]

England boss Gareth Southgate has also been keeping a close eye and though the World Cup unlikely, he is understood to have been close to a call up.

The Newcastle boss is aiming for a top 10 finish in the Premier League this season and will be looking to rotate his squad for the remainder of the campaign.

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Lascelles in action against Liverpool’s star striker Salah.[/caption]

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Lascelles will play his 100th game for Newcastle today.[/caption]

He said: “They (his squad) know. They realise we have to keep going and maybe one of the things we can do is start changing players.”

“There’s an opportunity for players to get a chance who have to prove something.”

“I need to get that balance in this game and the next game.”

Newcastle will host West Brom at St James’ Park this afternoon as the Baggies await their relegation fate.