Newcastle transfer news: Besiktas plan to bid for Jonjo Shelvey

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Besiktas are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.

That is according to a report in Turkey, with Fotomac claiming that Senol Gunes’ side are planning to make a bid for the 30-year-old.

The report states that Besiktas are willing to make an offer worth between £2.2million and £3.1million. Fotomac add they will also contact Shelvey’s agent, as they look to snap him up during the January transfer window.

Newcastle are currently looking to sign a replacement for Shelvey, who is out of action with a calf issue. He has endured an injury-hit campaign, having undergone hamstring surgery after limping out of a pre-season friendly with Benfica.

Shelvey returned to the side before the World Cup break, and made three substitute appearances. He also started the League Cup win over Crystal Palace.

After a brief cameo against Bournemouth in the next round, Shelvey has not been seen since. He was not named in the squad to face Leicester on Boxing Day, with a report stating that he could now miss another two months of action.

It was a huge blow for Eddie Howe, who believes Shelvey is ‘incredible‘. The Toon boss has limited options in midfield right now. Those options could soon be even more limited depending on how bad Bruno Guimaraes’ ankle problem is.

Newcastle are rumoured to be interested in the likes of Youri Tielemans and Moises Caicedo following Shelvey’s injury, and now the Magpies’ number eight is being linked with a move away.

A move to Besiktas does not feel likely for Jonjo Shelvey

Given Newcastle’s midfield struggles, it seems incredibly unlikely that the club would sanction Shelvey’s departure.

He is out of contract in the summer, however, and there have been no talks reported regarding an extension. According to the Daily Mail, Shelvey’s current deal will be extended for another year if he starts two games before the end of the season.

But with the Magpies perhaps not having enough money to get the midfielder they want right now, it would surely be unwise to let Shelvey leave – especially for just £3million. That is a quarter of what he cost back in 2016 when Steve McClaren brought him to the club.

A move to Besiktas would see Shelvey link up with multiple former Premier League players. The likes of Dele Alli, Nathan Redmond, Cenk Tosun and Arthur Masuaku all play for The Black Eagles.

Joining Besiktas would also see Shelvey play alongside former Wolves defender Romain Saiss. Shelvey was banned for five games by the FA in 2016 after being found guilty of racially abusing the Morocco international.