Wolves are plotting a move for Newcastle United centre-back Jamaal Lascelles, according to a new report.
Wolves have been trying to bring in a new centre-back for quite some time, with Craig Dawson emerging as the object of their desire, but a move broke down at the back end of the summer window, despite the player himself wanting the move.
West Ham United manager David Moyes has recently confirmed that another bid was lodged by Wolves for the defender, but it was turned down, perhaps due to the fact that the two clubs are direct rivals, both aiming to avoid relegation (via TEAMtalk).
According to a report from Football Insider, the Old Gold are plotting a move for Lascelles if they can’t prise Dawson from West Ham, as they look to bring in a proven Premier League centre-back this month.
The colossus is valued at around £8m by current employers Newcastle United, given that he has not featured on many occasions this season, making just four appearances in the Premier League up to this point.
TIF thoughts on Lascelles to Wolves…
The Hammers are seemingly making it very difficult to conclude a deal for Dawson, and so Lascelles would be a great alternative, with there being some evidence that he might actually be a better signing than his positional peer.
Hailed as ‘heroic’ by manager Eddie Howe, the defender is supremely competent in the air, averaging 4.53 aerials won per 90 over the past year, in the 99th percentile compared to other centre-backs.
Not only that, but he is over two years younger than the West Ham man, at 29, and has averaged more blocks, clearances and interceptions than him per 90 over the aforementioned timeframe.
With the Englishman finding it hard to break into the high-flying Newcastle team, he may also be a lot more gettable than Dawson this month, and Julen Lopetegui should now make him his priority signing.