Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles wanted by European giants with defender set for another spell as back-up

JAMAAL LASCELLES is a target for Turkish outfit Besiktas.

The Newcastle captain has fallen down the pecking order under Eddie Howe, with Fabian Schar and Sven Botman his first-choice centre-back partnership.

GettyBesiktas are targeting a January move for Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles[/caption]

Lascelles, 30, has started 12 of the Toon’s 20 Prem games this season.

But the majority have been as cover for injured Botman – who has now returned.

Besiktas are sixth in the Turkish Super Lig and are hoping for a boost in the second half of the season.

They already have former Prem stars Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arthur Masuaku, Daniel Amartey and Cenk Tosun on their books.

And Lascelles could be the next to make the move to Istanbul.

Besiktas are in need of a centre-back after releasing Eric Bailly.

The ex-Manchester United star was one of several stars banned for poor performances.

But Bailly made an immediate return to football by signing a deal with former club Villarreal just one day after his exit.

As for the other top-flight stars at Besiktas, ex-Arsenal and Liverpool man Oxlade-Chamberlain has enjoyed the best time with four goals in 20 games.

Former Everton striker Tosun has just one goal in five games.

Ex-West Ham defender Masuaku has played 17 times.

But former Leicester ace Amartey has featured just twice.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest transfer deals from around the world this January