While the Magpies were previously interested in the Fulham midfielder, it would be a disaster to sanction such an exchange.
Shelvey’s range of passing was evident once again when he came off the bench in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Wednesday night and he would be a great miss if he were to leave.
Lacking depth
Newcastle already have a squad that lacks in depth. While Mo Diame’s latest injury is said to be minor, Isaac Hayden has reiterated his desire to leave. Elsewhere, Ki Sung-Yeung is set to miss several games due to international commitments.
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Rafael Benitez, unaware of his transfer budget, knows his squad lacks quality without losing key players. Strengthening his side in the transfer window is crucial and Cairney would offer a presence that has so often been missing from the Toon Army’s starting XI.
Whether owner Mike Ashley would sanction such a deal is certainly debatable. However, if he wants to keep the side in the Premier League — and keep his chances of selling the club alive — he must back his manager this month.
