Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is confident keeping hold of Jamaal Lascelles.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season, leading the team to the top of Championship.

And his performances are understood to have caught the eye of Liverpool and Chelsea, says the Daily Express.

Nevertheless Benitez does not expect to lose the defender in January.

“I saw the links, but I have been talking with Jamaal and with more people around him," said Benitez.

“He's happy, he's OK.

“We think that he's a good player for us, so I don't see any big change in January around him, or anyone really."