According to reports in the Evening Standard, Chelsea are one of the frontrunners to sign £45m-rated Newcastle United centre-back Jamaal Lascelles this summer, and their Premier League rivals Everton, whose fans are desperate for them to sign a £27m winger, should be watching developments closely.

What's the word, then?

Jamaal Lascelles in action for Newcastle United

Well, the Evening Standard report that the Blues, along with the Toffees and Tottenham Hotspur, want the 24-year-old after an outstanding campaign at the heart of the Magpies' defence, as the Toon finished in 10th position on their return to the Premier League under Rafa Benitez.

The Evening Standard says that Lascelles has been on the west London outfit's summer transfer wish-list since February following a disappointing defence of their Premier League title that saw them miss out on Champions League football next season.

If the centre-back did complete a move to Stamford Bridge before the summer transfer window closes on August 9, then he would be competing with the likes of Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma, Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz for a spot in the starting XI next term, whether that is under Antonio Conte or another manager.

Why should Everton be monitoring the situation?

Well, you would think that if Chelsea can offer Lascelles regular guaranteed starts then he may well choose to head to west London rather than the Merseyside club, but it would perhaps open up another door for Marco Silva.

The Portuguese boss will likely be determined to bring a new centre-back to Goodison Parl this summer with Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams no longer good enough to start on a regular basis and with Ramiro Funes Mori's future in doubt, and an experienced player alongside Michael Keane could be the ideal solution.

If Chelsea do sign Lascelles they will likely offload at least one centre-back, and 6ft 4in England international Cahill could be the one that is shown the door having often struggled to get into the XI under Conte last season despite being captain.

The 32-year-old would bring a lot of quality and leadership to the Everton backline, and help them in their ambition to gatecrash the top-six party next term.

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