Newcastle United signing Jonjo Shelvey two years ago from Swansea City, and must resist interest from West Ham United this month.
The 25-year-old midfielder has not had a great time back in the Premier League with Newcastle, picking up two red cards as he struggles to lock down a place in Rafa Benitez’s midfield.
Despite his lack of form, Shelvey is the subject of interest from David Moyes’ West Ham, with The Express reporting that a £12 million deal could be on the cards.
This is a crucial month for the Magpies, who need to add to their squad to ensure they can remain in the top flight, so news of interest in one of their more talented players from a relegation rival is not what fans want to hear.
Shelvey has lost the trust of some supporters, but Newcastle simply cannot afford to lose the England international, as there are no guarantees that a replacement will arrive at St James’ Park.
With takeover speculation in the North East remaining just that, there have been no guarantees that Mike Ashley will open up his wallet, and allow Benitez to spend some cash.
If Newcastle are to sell players this month, it can only be those deemed surplus to requirements, not a player who we all know can do the business when in the right frame of mind.
Shelvey has not hit the standards expected of him, but weakening Newcastle and strengthening a relegation rival in West Ham in the process would be a scandalous decision.