OPINION
While Declan Rice and Mark Noble have been brilliant in the middle of the park for West Ham this season there is still a little something missing for Manuel Pellegrini.
The youngster and the veteran match up well in the midfield, the former proving why he is one of the most highly rated ball winners in the league with his expert reading of the game, while the latter’s experience shines through on a weekly basis.
However neither of the pair really have the X-Factor – they do the basics well and carry out their duties to a T in their respective roles but there is nothing flashy about them – which is why Pellegrini seems to be targeting something new for his side.
The Northern Echo report that the Chilean boss is a huge fan of Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey and with his passing range and ability compared to what is already in east London, you can see why.
The London-born maestro has fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park and is said to be up for sale if Rafael Benitez remains as manager – a situation Pellegrini hopes to pounce upon.
It is said that there are plans to put Shelvey alongside Rice in a long-term partnership and the prospect of that will surely have all West Ham fans drooling.
One of the best passers English football has to offer alongside one of the best young central enforcers – it is a match made in heaven, and that is without mentioning both are east Londoners themselves, Shelvey born in Romford and Rice an adopted Iron after joining the club as a youngster.
It is a plan which should see sparks fly at the London Stadium – now all Pellegrini has to do is get Shelvey back to the capital.