Arsenal and Newcastle battle it out for Nottingham Forest starlet Lascelles



Arsenal and Newcastle United have made offers for Nottingham Forest starlet Jamaal Lascelles.



The 20-year-old has been offered a new contract by promotion chasing Forest with Billy Davies keen to keep him at the City Ground.



Arsenal are willing to offer an initial £3million after chief scout Steve Rowley watched Lascelles against Bolton Wanderers at the weekend.

Which way? Lascelles (left) has been offered a new deal by Fortest, but Arsenal are willing to offer £3million

In the hunt: Arsene Wenget is interested in signing Nottingham Forest youngster Jamaal Lascelles

The deal would increase based on appearances while Newcastle are understood to have made a bigger offer. Lascelles has been monitored by Arsenal since he was 16.



Forest may contemplate a sale if the bid is increased and he was loaned back. The Championship club have also completed a permanent deal for Jack Hobbs from Hull.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have looked at Vitesse Arnhem right-back Kelvin Leerdam as a possible alternative.

On the radar: Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is having a look at Dutch defender Kelvin Leerdam









