---
title: "Benitez drops huge hint about future in-demand Newcastle star"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2018/04/28/benitez-drops-huge-hint-about-future-in-demand-newcastle-star/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2018-04-28T07:56:10Z"
modified: "2018-04-28T07:56:10Z"
---

# Benitez drops huge hint about future in-demand Newcastle star

Rafa Benitez says he wants to build his Newcastle United team around Jamaal Lascelles, despite talk of a move to Chelsea and Liverpool.

[Chronicle Live](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rafa-benitez-makes-clear-jamaal-14586575) reports that the Newcastle boss is desperate to keep hold of Lascelles with big-money moves being touted for the former Nottingham Forest man.

> 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.

Chelsea are thought to be long-term admirers of the player, with his leadership skills and no-nonsense defending not going unnoticed at Stamford Bridge.

![Mark Runnacles/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnewcastle.com/readnewcastle/sites/20/2018/04/930112922-1.jpg)

Lascelles has been tipped to make it into the England squad sooner rather than later, even if the World Cup comes around too quickly for him.

An England call-up would only add fuel to the speculation about his future at St James’ Park.

Since joining the club Lascelles has been played an influential role in the side that won the Championship at the first attempt.

Benitez will be keen to keep hold of the defender and build upon a successful first season back in the top flight.