Jonjo Shelvey’s clear ability may help West Ham stay in the Premier League at the expense of Newcastle United, however the Magpies just need to get rid of the midfielder to whomever they can.
The Daily Mirror report that Rafa Benitez is set to block any West Ham interest in their £20million midfielder, as his arrival at the Hammers would boost their chances of Premier League survival.
Newcastle United are very much aware that they face a battle to beat the drop and the January window gives everyone a chance to strengthen their side in order to remain in the Premier League.
The Hammers need to bolster their midfield in order to clear steer of safety and have identified the Magpies’ midfielder as a man who can help them.
Benitez would normally be right in stopping players being sold to fellow relegation strugglers, but in Shelvey’s case, he has to make an exception.
The midfielder has featured 17 times across all competitions for Newcastle United this season and despite starting the campaign as a key player has slipped down the pecking order to not find himself not guaranteed a start.
Shelvey’s performances this season, haven’t showcased the best the player can offer and Benitez has been right to sideline him.
By sidelining the player, it could have led to an improvement in his performances as he fought to get back in the team.
However, that’s simply not been the case.
The midfielder was visibly shown on the bench against Chelsea in early December and didn’t look like a player focused on making an impact if called upon.
This was then shown by his cameo appearance, that was a woeful 15 minutes of him struggling to get to grips with the game.
In appearances that followed, he still hasn’t show signs of improving but his performance in the FA Cup against Luton Town on Saturday, should have been a clear sign to Benitez that he needed to go.
Whether this be to relegation rivals or not.
In the game against Luton, the midfielder arrogantly strolled around the pitch, looking like he was too good to feature in the game.
This attitude is not one Benitez needs at the club at any time, let alone during a time when they face relegation.
West Ham may be aided by Shelvey’s arrival, if he opts to put in the performances, but Benitez needs to sell the midfielder as he appears to have become a toxic presence on the squad given his attitude.