Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has ruled out the possibility of Jonjo Shelvey leaving the club in the January transfer window.
The Sun previously reported that Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri was keen on a swap deal involving his captain Tom Cairney and the 26-year-old, but the Spaniard has poured cold water over any sort of rumour.
He has insisted that Shelvey still has a major part to play in the club’s success this season, just like he did last term.
“No chance,” he said, as quoted by the Chronicle regarding the possible departure of Shelvey.
“He’s an important player for us. Ki and him are the players who technically can pass the ball well and keep it, they give confidence to the rest of the team. I hope he will be as important as he was last year.”
OPINION
Newcastle fans will no doubt be hugely relieved to hear that there is no chance of Shelvey leaving in the winter transfer window. He has been largely absent this season due to injury, but that does not instantly rule him out of making an impact this season. Shelvey was majorly influential in the team’s success last term and there is no reason why he cannot do that again. He may be facing a late fitness test ahead of the clash with Watford, but once he returns, he is more than capable of replicating his form from last year. The fans know that he is one of the most underrated English players out there, but they are lucky to have him. His passing ability is excellent, as well as being able to pick out glorious chances for the forwards. The fact he is not leaving any time soon is just what the supporters would have been wanting to hear.