Jonjo Shelvey hasn’t exactly been a first-team regular of late, but Newcastle simply can’t afford to sell the midfielder.
Rafael Benitez had consistently stuck by Mo Diame and Ki Sung-Yueng before the South Korean departed on international duty. However, Shelvey, who has only made 12 appearances this term, remains a vital part in United’s quest for Premier League survival.
The 26-year-old, currently struggling with injury, has been the subject of interest by West Ham this month according to the Daily Mail. A fee of £20 million has been quoted, but Benitez should resist any temptation to sell one of his star players whose passing range is the best at the club.
While that is a massive fee, it doesn’t matter. There is no guarantee that money coming into the club would be given back to Benitez to sign a replacement. It hasn’t been in the past, after all.
Lacking quality
In a squad that blatantly lacks top quality, losing the Englishman would be a major blow to the Magpies’ campaign. Shelvey was pivotal in helping the side finish in 10th place last season and offers the team so much with his passing vision.
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As the Hammers continue to strengthen their squad – Samir Nasri already signing on the dotted line – the Toon Army are becoming disillusioned once more with events on Tyneside.
Owner Mike Ashley’s claims that the club was close to being sold seem to have stagnated. Once again the unrest is causing a knock-on effect for Benitez’s transfer hopes.
