Liverpool are watching Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles.

The Sunderland Echo says the former Nottingham Forest ace joined Newcastle in 2014 and has developed impressively under manager Rafael Benitez this season.

The centre-back has been key for the Magpies, leading them as captain to the top of the Championship.

Liverpool have sent representatives to watch Lascelles in recent weeks.

And it is claimed the scouts were at St James' Park on Saturday to see Lascelles in the 4-0 win over Birmingham.