Jonjo Shelvey is reportedly set to leave Newcastle United and sign for Nottingham Forest.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who state that a deal has now been agreed between the two clubs for Shelvey to make the move to the City Ground.
The rumour first emerged on Sunday evening, with the Telegraph reporting that the 30-year-old looked set to join Steve Cooper’s side.
Now the deal looks to be pretty much done. Newcastle and Forest have agreed on a price, with Shelvey now set to undergo a medical today before signing a two-and-a-half year deal.
The £70,000-a-week star is now on course to become the second player to leave Newcastle for Forest this month. Chris Wood also made the same move, joining on loan ahead of a permanent move in the summer.
Wood’s departure was a surprise, but Shelvey’s exit is a real shock. It leaves Newcastle light in midfield, with Sander Berge reportedly on the Magpies’ radar to replace him.
But while it is sad to see Shelvey go, it is understandable why he has made the decision.
Jonjo Shelvey to Nottingham Forest makes sense
On the face of it, Newcastle are taking a real risk. We have already been looking for a midfielder because of Shelvey’s injury. His absence has left Eddie Howe with limited options in central midfield. However, it wasn’t essential that we signed someone as Shelvey is nearing a return.
But now he is on the brink of a permanent exit, and leaves Newcastle in a precarious position.
However, we have managed this season without him. He has barely featured for the Magpies, starting just one competitive game. That was the League Cup clash with Crystal Palace.
Shelvey’s Newcastle contract expires in the summer, but two more starts would trigger a one-year extension. But the move to Forest gives him more security, with Shelvey set to sign a deal that will run until 2025.
It is a good opportunity for him, seven years after he first arrived at St James’ Park. It will be sad to see him go, especially with the club agonizingly close to reaching a cup final. It is a shame that someone like Shelvey will now not be involved if we do make it to Wembley.
But it is the right decision for Shelvey’s career. He has now secured his long-term future, which is great for his family. And he should also receive more playing opportunities at Nottingham Forest, with Newcastle thriving without him this season.
A medical appears to be the only thing standing in the way of this deal becoming official. Now the clock is ticking for Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe to find a replacement.
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