West Ham United are lining up a January swoop for Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper report that manager Manuel Pellegrini is a big fan of the England international and would be keen on signing him for the Hammers this month.
The Mail claim that the Magpies are prepared to meet tough resistance from Newcastle, who would not green-light an exit for Shelvey unless a replacement was found.
It is said that the Newcastle pass master would cost around £20million.
Good move for West Ham?
Yes and no.
Shelvey is a solid Premier League performer with plenty of experience in the division who would add some much-needed quality and numbers to the West Ham midfield.
However, his injury problems in recent months have made a move for him in January a real risk for the Hammers, who could be left short again if he were to sustain another issue.
For a £20million fee, such a risk may not be worth it at this time, with there being plenty of other options around for less money.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10
Likely to happen?
As the report states, Newcastle would be very unlikely to sanction an exit for Shelvey this month, with Rafa Benitez needing all the help he can get in their fight against relegation.
It would take a hefty bid from the Hammers to even kickstart talks, and again that is not likely to happen.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10