CANNY LAS EARNS A NEW DEAL WITH TOON

JAMAAL LASCELLES has been rewarded for his improved form with a new six-year deal at Newcastle. The defender, made skipper by boss Rafa Benitez this season, has scored two match-winning goals. Benitez warded off interest from rivals clubs by offering a new contract running until 2023. Derby-born Lascelles, 23, (left) said: “I’m over the moon. Since I came to Newcastle, I’ve been happy. I love the city, the football and the fans. Everything about it I enjoy so I’m happy to be tied down for the next six years here.

“We’ve a group of ambitious lads, the fans are excellent and the manager has trust in me, so I’m really happy here and I want to take the club as high as it can go.”

Benitez added: “As soon as I made the decision to make Jamaal the captain of Newcastle United, he rose to the challenge and has developed as a player and a character.

“He has proven himself to be a very good leader and a good role model too. He has also improved as a player, responding well to our advice and guidance and getting better with every game.

“I would like to congratulate him on his new contract with the club, it is very well deserved.”