Chelsea eye £18m deal for Championship centre-half

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing former England Under-21 international defender Jamaal Lascelles, according to The Sun on Sunday.

The Premier League side, who currently sit fifth in the English top-flight standings and face Southampton this afternoon, are understood to be keeping a close eye on the Newcastle United centre-half ahead of the forthcoming January transfer window.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The 22-year-old, who earned two international caps for England’s Under-21 side, has scored one goal in 17 appearances in all competitions for the Championship leaders so far this season.

Lascelles, who began his professional career at fellow Championship outfit Nottingham Forest before his switch to the Magpies back in August 2014, has impressed under Rafa Benitez at St James’ Park as Newcastle eye an instant return to the Premier League this campaign.

The report suggests a £18m figure has been earmarked for the Toon captain, with Chelsea boss Antonio understood to be keen on recruiting young, homegrown talent.