Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez insists Jamaal Lascelles is not for sale.

The centre-back has been linked with a move to West Ham United but there has been no official bid for the former Nottingham Forest man.

Benitez said: “We don't want to sell him.

“He was a key player for us last year and he has to be this year and for a long time to come in the future.

“The reality is that we don't want to sell Jamaal. He is a key player for us and leader. We are happy with him."

When asked if he was aware of any bid for Lascelles, Benitez said: “No.

“I saw it on TV but we are not thinking of that.

“We are just thinking of how to improve him on the pitch."