Exclusive makes huge claim that Premier League rivals are 'close' to sealing Jonjo Shelvey signing

by Olly Hawkins · Published 9 January 2018, 15:18

Some bold claims have emerged around the future of Jonjo Shelvey today, with the Daily Express claiming in an exclusive that West Ham are 'closing in' on a £12m deal for the NUFC midfielder.

Whether this is true or not remains to be seen, however these are BIG claims.

Personally, I don't see Benitez selling to a relegation rival, not forgetting the fact that Shelvey's sale would put pressure on us to find an adequate replacement - something that would not come easily given Rafa STILL doesn't even know his budget by all accounts.

It's worth nothing that Tony Banks' story states that Newcastle will only agree to finalise the sale once a replacement is found, but I just don't see this one happening unless a ready-made replacement is already agreed.

Replacements and selling to relegation rivals aside, I'd also question the reported £12m fee. Is this enough for a 25-year-old Englishman with Shelvey's quality in this day and age? I think not.

Here's a snippet from the big story in the Express today:

"West Ham are moving closer to the £12 million capture of Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.

"Talks between the two clubs have progressed over the last couple of days but the St James’s Park club want to make sure they have a replacement lined up before the deal is finalised.

"Hammers manager David Moyes is determined to strengthen the centre of his midfield, and Londoner Shelvey, 25, who has been in and out of Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle side this season, is at the top of his list of targets.

"Shelvey is on an £80,000-a-week contract at Newcastle but West Ham are ready to spend this month to ensure that Moyes can continue his task of wresting the club away from the Premier League relegation zone

"Moyes is also looking at alternatives to Shelvey, with Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin, Watford’s Etienne Capoue and Stoke’s Welsh international midfielder Joe Allen also targets as well as Anderlecht’s Leander Dendoncker."

Shelvey has shown several signs that he actually doesn't fit into a Rafa Benitez side this season, so I wouldn't rule out a sale in transfer windows to come, but I just don't see this one happening.

We'd be unable to replace him sufficiently for £12m, we'd be mad to sell to a relegation rival and the fee mentioned seems unrealistic.

Let us know your thoughts.