Besiktas may have to wait until the end of the season to sign Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles following comments made by manager Eddie Howe.

While the FA Cup kicks off, Howe has made his intentions clear. Lascelles, a target for Beşiktaş, is staying put. Despite rumors swirling around the experienced defender, Howe wants him as the anchor of the Magpies’ backline.

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On the Besiktas links, Howe said: “I can tell you absolutely nothing. That’s one I’ve got no idea where that has come from. Jamaal is a big part of what we’re doing.”

Howe even went onto say that is not ‘sure’ if Lascelles will even be out of contract at the end of the season.

“I need to have clarity on Jamaal’s contract situation but as I say, he’s a big part of our future. I’m not sure he is out of contract at the end of the season,” he said.

As things stand Lascelles will be a free agent at the end of the season [Transfermarkt and as a result Besiktas are free to enter direct talks with the defender.

However, Howe’s comments suggest that the Magpies may have an option to extend his contract.

The 30-year-old’s journey started in Nottingham Forest’s youth ranks, blossoming into a first-team regular in 2011.

A loan spell at Stevenage followed, before Lascelles found his permanent home at Newcastle in 2014. After a brief loan back to Forest, he’s solidified his place at St. James’ Park since 2015.

With Howe’s backing and his own commitment to the club, Lascelles looks set to remain a Magpie for the foreseeable future.

Beşiktaş may have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements or wait until the end of the season and hope that Lascelles contract is not renewed.