West Ham United are plotting a summer move for Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles, according to reports.

The Hammers are looking to bolster their options in defence after having conceded a whopping 57 goals in the Premier League this season – the second most in the top flight behind Stoke, who have let in 58.

Defender Jose Fonte was allowed to leave the club for China in January, and it is understood West Ham have now identified Lascelles as the man to help plug the gap left in Fonte’s absence.

The Newcastle captain has enjoyed a solid debut Premier League campaign, with his performances attracting attention from a host of England’s biggest clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea – both of whom are also understood to be keen to land the former Nottingham Forest star in the summer.

The Magpies are hoping to hold on to one of their prized assets as they build for a second season in the Premier League.

Lascelles has a contract on Tyneside that runs until the summer of 2023.