West Ham have been installed as odds-on favourites to sign Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey in January, according to the latest bookmakers’ odds.
Sky Bet priced the Hammers at 1/2 on Monday morning to land the England international in the current transfer window.
West Ham are a long way clear in the betting of joint second favourites Swansea, Tottenham and West Brom, who are all 25/1 to sign Shelvey this month.
West Ham’s odds have been slashed from the end of December, when they were priced 8/1 to sign Shelvey and were behind Spurs and Everton in the betting.
The six-time capped England international is renowned for being a brilliant passer of the ball from the middle of the park and has started 11 of his 16 league matches this season.
Good move for West Ham?
Just about, yes. Shelvey is a richly talented player with a passing range to dream of, and the kind of playmaking ability absent among the central midfielders available to David Moyes. But he is something of a risk, due to a flawed temperament that has robbed him of the trust of Rafael Benitez following a string of controversial red cards in recent seasons. Nevertheless, he should mature as he grows older, and has the ability and confidence to be an asset to West Ham.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Shelvey is a regular at Newcastle, but he is far from the fulcrum of the team, as his talent suggests he should be. Given his London links, Benitez’s need to raise transfer funds this month and West Ham’s need for a central midfielder approaching his peak years, this deal is very possible.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10