Saudi side eyeing late deal with Newcastle ahead of 7th September deadline - Report

Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles has emerged as a late target for Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab, according to TEAMtalk.

The defender has been largely used as a backup since the arrival of Eddie Howe and has previously been linked with moves away in order to play regular first team football, not to mention the fact he's out of contract next summer.

Al-Shabab, who are close to signing Yannick Carrasco from Atletico Madrid, are thought to be weighing up an offer for the 29-year-old before their transfer window closes on September 7th. It's worth noting that they are NOT owned by the PIF; who invest in Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al Ahli and Al Nassr instead.

Lascelles has already stated that he is happy at St James' Park, but could be tempted to depart for the right money and the right move. Sky Sports confirmed Besiktas' interest last week, adding that the player was settled on Tyneside but 'open' to leaving in search of regular game time.

That said, with the Premier League window now closed, it seems very unlikely that Howe would be willing to let one of our few centre-backs go, particularly when Sven Botman is recovering from an injury and Fabian Schar ended the Brighton defeat holding his hamstring.

We failed to sign a much-needed centre-back last week, so I can't see us sanctioning Lascelles' exit until January at the very earliest.