As reported by The Daily Mirror, Chelsea are interested in signing Newcastle United favourite Jamaal Lascelles this summer in an effort to the replace the defensive hole left by former captain John Terry.

What's the story?

Terry left the club last summer after a long, illustrious career at Stamford Bridge and the Blues have lacked leadership and a no-nonsense physical centre-back ever since.

In an effort to replace the attributes Terry provided the club for over a decade, it appears Chelsea are looking to the North East and the talents of Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles.

That's according to The Daily Mirror anyway, who report that the Blues are planning to table a bid worth £30m for his services when the summer transfer window opens.

Could the 24-year-old make an impact at Stamford Bridge?

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Good enough for Chelsea?

It's always difficult to judge whether a player can make the step up to play regularly for one of England's top six sides but although Newcastle are operating on a different level to the Blues right now in terms of ambitions, Lascelles has shown that he can perform consistently in the Premier League.

Appointed captain of the St James' Park outfit at a young age, he's shown enormous maturity and determination to lead his side back to the top-flight, with the club also appearing to be safe from relegation this term.

With plenty of room for improvement and strong defensive skills, he deserves a big move and as much as it may pain Newcastle fans, such a transfer could enhance his game even further.

There will likely be more illustrious names linked with Chelsea this summer but Lascelles appears to be a very smart potential buy.