Reigning Premier League champions Chelsea won their 2016/17 title largely off the back of an incredible defensive record, and that has continued through to this season as they have conceded just 23 times in 27 games during this campaign.
On the surface of it then it is perhaps quite surprising that the Blues are eyeing Newcastle central defender Jamaal Lascelles, according to the Evening Standard, but the factors behind that interest do make some sense.
Antonio Conte has been slowly adding English players to his side, having signed Ross Barkley and Danny Drinkwater, and clearly also wants a younger defender to compliment his ageing options in Gary Cahill and David Luiz.
Lascelles has been impressive for Newcastle this season, and the Magpies are actually the best defensive side not in the top seven. The 24-year old has made 22 appearances in the Premier League in this campaign, and has netted three goals, making him an impressive attacking threat from the back.
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