Chelsea eye £18m move for Newcastle defender

The Sun claim that Newcastle United's captain is on Antonio Conte’s transfer radar.

Rafa Benitez handed the 22-year-old the captain's armband in the summer after the departure of long-serving skipper Fabricio Coloccini.

And Lascelles has led the Championship leaders to seven successive wins in all competitions.

Conte is looking to rebuild his defence at Stamford Bridge after taking charge at the club in the summer.

Chelsea scouts have reportedly watched Lascelles, signed from Nottingham Forest two years ago, this season.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Ben Davies, Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson, and Burnley’s Michael Keane are also said to be on the club's wishlist.