Newcastle United news: Benitez on West Ham and Lascelles' future

Brighton and Hove Albion beat Blackburn Rovers 3-2 at Ewood Park last night to move two points clear of the club.

Rafa Benitez's side were buoyed ahead of their visit to the DW Stadium by their convincing 4-0 win over Birmingham City at the weekend.

Benitez has been linked with West Ham United, where Slaven Bilic is under pressure after a disappointing few months on the field.

And Newcastle's manager has reacted to the speculation.

Benitez has also addressed the future of captain Jamaal Lascelles in the wake of reports linking him with Liverpool and Chelsea.

Defender Ciaran Clark has been spoken about United's Championship challenge ahead of the Wigan game.

And Benitez had a message for midfielder Mohamed Diame on the eve of his return to the DW Stadium.

For news and updates from the DW Stadium, follow NUFC writer Miles Starforth on Twitter here