JAMAAL LASCELLES might be the subject of strong interest from Premier League rivals, but the £45m-rated defender could not be any prouder of Newcastle United’s achievements over the last nine months.

At a time when he is being courted by Tottenham, Chelsea and Everton, among others, the list of defenders being targeted by the Magpies is growing.

Rafa Benitez has shown an interest in former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel and that has been followed by claims in Turkey that Fenerbahce are expecting a delegation from Newcastle to have talks this week.

The 33-year-old does not fit the age bracket normally associated with Newcastle’s recruitment policy under Mike Ashley’s ownership, although Benitez is keen to add experience to his side for next season.

Benitez is under the impression that Ashley will give him a lot of what he is asking for once he has committed his future to St James’ Park, as he approaches the final year of his contract.

He wants to keep Lascelles, although Newcastle would have to consider an offer anything near their valuation. The defender, though, is happy on Tyneside and was satisfied with last season’s performance.

"Our target was to stay up and get a real grasp of the Premier League, but we've done so much more,” said Lascelles.

"To be safe with five games to go, we were then setting new targets and seeing how far we could push. The four games we had we weren't able to reach those targets.

"But we finished the season off in a real positive way. Overall it was an unreal season as far as I'm concerned, both for me personally, and more importantly for the club."

Many envisaged Newcastle would be in serious relegation trouble after a lack of transfer activity.

Lascelles added: “As captain of this team, it's not nice to hear: 'This team's not good enough', and: 'You need better players.' It angers me.

"I know these boys, and I know how good they are. Not only that, I know they'll give 110 per cent for the badge, and that's why we've not had to worry about relegation.

"With five games to go, we were clear and in mid-table. These boys have so much about them and I'm so pleased we proved those doubters wrong."