West Ham will step up their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey after the Magpies secured a loan deal for Chelsea flyer Kenedy, according to The Sun.
The newspaper report that the Hammers believe a deal for Kenedy now opens the door for Shelvey to leave the club, with depth added to the Newcastle squad.
The Sun claim that West Ham enquired about the 25-year-old earlier this month, but were rebuffed by Newcastle as they needed to secure signings of their own first.
It is said that Shelvey is the preferred choice in the Hammers’ midfield search as he has Premier League experience.
Good move for West Ham?
This would be a decent move for the Hammers who are obviously very keen to secure Shelvey.
The midfield general has a great passing range, and is able to get on the ball and control games, which is exactly what West Ham need.
One obvious issue is Shelvey’s discipline, having been sent off twice already this season, and the Hammers cannot afford any bans in the relegation run-in.
Overall though, Shelvey would be a great addition to the squad, while his acquisition would also weaken a direct rival.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Well, the Hammers seem to believe that the incoming Kenedy will open the door for Shelvey’s exit, but that would seem strange.
Kenedy plays wide on the left, either at full-back or on the wing, and would not provide cover for a departing central midfielder.
It is therefore doubtful that Newcastle will suddenly be willing to let one of their best players go, especially to one of their rivals for relegation.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10