OPINION
Newcastle United midfield general Jonjo Shelvey is moving closer to a January transfer to relegation rivals West Ham after two years in the northeast.
As reported by the Daily Express, talks between the two clubs regarding a £12million move for the 25-year-old have progressed well in recent days.
The newspaper report that Hammers boss David Moyes is determined to strengthen his midfield, and £80,000-a-week star Shelvey is at the top of his list.
It is said that Newcastle want to make sure they have a replacement lined up before they let Shelvey go.
Shelvey has had an interesting spell at the Magpies, joining in January 2015 for a £12million fee from fellow Premier League side Swansea.
He made his debut, funnily enough, against West Ham in a 2-1 win, the club’s first victory in seven games, and was named man of the match for his involvement in both Magpies goals.
Just a month later, Shelvey was named captain after Fabricio Coloccini was injured, but failed to prevent their relegation to the Championship.
He was a key part in their immediate promotion back to the top-flight, but has struggled this season, seeing red twice and failing to nail down a starting place.
It now looks as though his time at St. James’ Park is coming to an end, but who could Newcastle bring in to replace him?
This is Futbol pick out three players that we think the Magpies should pursue to take Shelvey’s place in the heart of their midfield as they look to avoid relegation once again, including a brilliant Everton player who Sam Allardyce won’t play.
Click below to see Rafa Benitez’s first possible option