Jamaal Lascelles could make a surprise return to Nottingham Forest this summer, according to reports.
The 28-year-old Newcastle United captain has fallen down the pecking order at St James' Park and has made just 24 appearances this season on Tyneside. Lascelles, who has two years left on his current deal, has been replaced due to January signing Dan Burns forming an impressive partnership with Fabian Schar.
His status at Newcastle means the central defender could look for a move away this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones, with a return to Forest tipped as a possible outcome.
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Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said: "I think there’s a possibility that he goes to Forest, maybe. I think there will be a few clubs interested in signing him; high Championship, low end Premier League, is probably where he will be looking."
Lascelles, who was born in Derby, started his professional career on the red side of the East Midlands as he progressed through Forest's academy system before making 65 first-team appearances in the Garibaldi. He left Forest to join Newcastle in 2014.
Having been a key member of the squad before Christmas, Lascelles has made just eight Premier League appearances since the start of 2022.
But he remains a clear professional with his attitude off the pitch.
"It’s a different situation to what I witnessed before," he told NUFC TV. "But for me, everything's about the team and as long as the team are doing well. I think it's important we've got a healthy, strong competitive squad in all areas of the pitch. Obviously, I want to play every single game, everybody does, but to be a part of a successful team is huge.
"I know the importance of how I behave. Players don't like to be on the bench and sometimes players can kick up a fuss and I was never going to let that happen. I knew I had to remain professional for the good of the team. All I know is to keep working hard, do what I can to help individuals on and off the pitch around the place."
A return to Forest seems unlikely unless Steve Cooper's side could achieve promotion through the Championship play-offs.
