'Medical Booked': West Ham landed Deadline Day blow as Newcastle United agree transfer

West Ham have been handed a transfer blow in any potential pursuit of Newcastle United stalwart Jamaal Lascelles with the centre-back now expected to join Championship outfit Leicester City.

The Hammers have been busy in January with both incomings and outgoings at the London Stadium but bolstering in defence remains a priority that has not been ticked off with Deadline Day now here. Nuno Espirito Santo has had to rely on the services of Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos but all three have struggled for consistency.

West Ham boast the worst defensive record in the Premier League with 48 goals conceded already this term. A red card to Todibo for violent conduct against Chelsea is the latest defensive nightmare for Nuno.

West Ham still to bolster defensive ranks

Speaking after the 3-2 defeat, he said: “Yes [Todibo should have known better]. That is disappointing. But I have to see the images so I can judge properly what happened. VAR intervened. We don’t have him for the next games.”

West Ham have been linked with several options at centre-back including Toulouse man Charlie Cresswell and former Spurs defender Eric Dier, who is now at AS Monaco. Lascelles had emerged as another target last week with The Sun one of several outlets carrying reports of Hammers interest.

Newcastle United are known to been keen to sell the 32-year-old in order to lift some pressure on their wage bill. The defender has been on the books at St James’ Park for 11 years and is the only remaining player from the Championship winning team of 2017.

Newcastle United and Leicester City agree Jamaal Lascelles deal

Lascelles could have brought 177 appearances of Premier League experience to Nuno’s side but is now expected to join Leicester City. Ben Jacobs reports that a medical is underway on Deadline Day with a deal agreed between the two clubs.

Speaking about the defender last week, Magpies boss Eddie Howe said: “There’s a possibility that he could leave as well. Jamaal’s been an incredible servant. He’s a great leader for us behind the scenes. So, let’s wait and see what happens on his future.”

Nuno himself spoke out about West Ham’s need to continue to bring players in this month following the arrivals of Taty Castellanos, Pablo and Adama Traore. He said: “You cannot replace Lucas, because he is unique. We have to move forward. We have played without him in the last three matches. We still have days to go, and the club is working very hard. We expect things to happen.”

In other news, West Ham 'expected' to complete Premier League loan transfer before deadline.