Report: Eddie Howe has doubts about Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey

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Jonjo Shelvey is once again fit for Newcastle United, but a new report claims that Eddie Howe has a major doubt regarding the midfielder.

The 30-year-old is yet to start in the Premier League this season, having picked up a calf injury during pre-season. It came at an awful time for Shelvey, as he was looking excellent ahead of the new campaign.

But Newcastle have thrived without Shelvey, with Bruno Guimaraes forced to sit a little deeper. It’s worked, with the Magpies currently third in the Premier League.

Now Shelvey is back, and he recently started in the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace. He has also made three substitute appearances in the league, which triggered a one-year contract extension.

His future at St James’ Park is now secured until 2024, and Shelvey’s next goal will be to get back in the starting lineup and earn a longer deal.

However, a report from the Athletic claims that Howe has reservations about one part of the midfielder’s game.

Eddie Howe’s Jonjo Shelvey doubt

According to the Athletic, Howe has concerns regarding Shelvey’s decision-making.

They add that this can lead to him being sloppy in possession, which was evident in the 5-0 win over Al Hilal on Thursday night.

Shelvey started as Newcastle’s ‘six’ against the Saudi Pro League side, and didn’t produce his best performance. He was often wasteful on the ball, and struggled to show why he should be starting when the Premier League returns.

Hopefully it was just an off night for Shelvey, as he is obviously a very talented footballer. But his Newcastle career is at something of a crossroads.

The Athletic add that Howe wants to sign a new ‘number six’, with Moises Caicedo and Edson Alvarez on the club’s radar. If either of those players were to arrive at St James’ Park, it would push Shelvey down the pecking order.

Luckily for Shelvey, a big money signing is not expected next month when the transfer window opens. It was recently claimed that Brighton want £60million for Caicedo, so I think we can rule that one out.

But Howe seemingly isn’t fully convinced by Shelvey, meaning the £12million man needs to work hard to change the manager’s mind.