Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez set to reward captain Jamaal Lascelles with new five-year contract

NEWCASTLE are on the verge of agreeing a new five-year deal with captain Jamaal Lascelles - as Rafa Benitez starts planning for the long term at the club.

Lascelles has made a big impact since Benitez named him as captain last year despite doubts over his ability at the highest level.

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The 23-year-old led Newcastle to the Championship title last season with a series of commanding displays in the centre of the defence.

And Benitez has rewarded him by instructing the club to tie him down for the long term with a new improved contract, claim The Telegraph.

Lascelles still has three years left to run on his existing deal, but Benitez is so keen to build around him that he wants the club to show their commitment to him.

There had been doubts whether the former Nottingham Forest prospect would be able to make the step up to the Premier League, with concerns over the number of mistakes he mistakes.

But Benitez has seen something in the defender and has been working hard developing his game, with promising results this season.

Off the field he has already developed into an influential player in the dressing room, and is regarded as a natural leader.

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And he also added to his credibility with his team-mates by negotiating with owner Mike Ashley amid a dispute over Premier League survival bonuses.

The fact that Benitez is looking towards the long term at the club is also good news to the supporters after a summer when he appeared unsettled in his role.

The Spaniard grew increasingly frustrated at the transfer activity he was allowed to conduct as he attempted to build a squad capable of thriving in the Premier League.

But back to back victories over West Ham and Swansea have seen the club climb into the top half of the table, and lifted the mood on Tyneside.

There is now a growing belief that the club are more united and moving forward on the pitch, with Benitez also happier in his role.

The summer transfer window was one the craziest we have ever seen.

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