CHELSEA are eyeing a move for Newcastle’s young skipper Jamaal Lascelles.

The Toon centre-back, 22, is on Antonio Conte’s radar for an £18million deal as the Blues boss rebuilds his defence.

5 Jamaal Lascelles celebrates scoring a Newcastle goal - and now must feel buoyed by interest from Chelsea Credit: Reuters

Conte is looking for young, homegrown talent and his scouts have been impressed by Lascelles.

He got his first taste of the Premier League last season.

And boss Rafa Benitez wants him as a key player at St James’ Park if they secure promotion from the Championship.

He was handed the armband following Fabricio Coloccini’s exit last season.

And his form has alerted Chelsea in their search for defensive prospects.

5 Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is keen to boost his defence - and with home-grown players Credit: Reuters

5 Jamaal Lascelles has enjoyed a powerful start to the season as Newcastle target an instant Prem return Credit: Reuters

5 Jonjo Shelvey and Jamaal Lascelles have been key players as Rafa Benitez revives relegated Toon Credit: PA:Press Association

5 Spurs left-back Ben Davies is thought to be one of the defenders Antonio Conte is monitoring Credit: Getty Images

Conte’s three-man defence for the defeat at West Ham on Wednesday had a combined age of 94 years — with John Terry, 35, and Gary Cahill, 30, along with David Luiz, 29, — and could do with some young legs.

Tottenham’s Ben Davies, Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson, and Burnley’s Michael Keane, all 23, are on their radar. Meanwhile, Southampton boss Claude Puel (right) is plotting a swoop for Genk centre-back Omar Colley.

The Gambian captain, 24, has shone with his displays in the Europa League.