According to a recent report by the Sun, West Ham United are hoping to secure the services of Jonjo Shelvey from Newcastle United in the summer. The same source has claimed that the Hammers are closing in on a £20m deal to bring the English defender to the London Stadium after he had fallen out with the Magpies boss Rafael Benitez.
The Sun has also revealed that Manuel Pellegrini was interested in recruiting the Newcastle midfielder during the January transfer window, but a move failed to materialise back then. However, the East London outfit could now be on course to finally land their transfer target at the end of this campaign.
Shelvey has struggled to find enough game time on the pitch at St. James’ Park this season. The former Liverpool midfielder has made just 12 appearances for the Magpies this term with only one assist to his name across all competitions. The English talent needs a change in scenery if he wants to reignite his career in English football.
The 27-year-old has failed to live up to his potential over the past few years after leaving Liverpool in search of more first-team action. On his day, Shelvey can still be a goal-threat from long range and also has an eye for a defence-splitting pass. However, he is far too inconsistent with his performances which have somewhat derailed his career.
Despite all his recent miseries, the English midfielder could be a shrewd signing for the Hammers as he will add more creativity and goal-threat to the West Ham midfield. Moreover, Manuel Pellegrini has had a lot of problems dealing with injuries to some of his key midfielders like Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez. Even Mark Noble is not getting any younger so the Hammers will do well to bring in another reliable option in midfield.
It could be a good move for everyone involved if West Ham can convince the ex Charlton Athletic prospect to make a switch to the London Stadium next summer.
