Newcastle United transfers: Shelvey was never for sale

It was reported earlier this week that Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey was a target for both Fulham and West Ham United. The club have contacted the player to let him know that they have no intention to sell the star.

The Mirror reported that it may have even involved a swap for Tom Cairney, who was highly rated by Benitez and sought after in a couple of transfer windows by the Newcastle manager. But a swap of the two isn’t worth it. Both of them on the same team, however, could be deadly.

Shelvey is a very valuable asset to Rafa and Newcastle. But it’s easy to understand why he’s not even up for discussion. And this has nothing to do with has ability. Rafa is unwilling to offload any talent seen as crucial in this transfer window. Any and all assets are crucial to Rafa’s end goal of Premier League safety this season. While he’s struggling to even remain match fit for the upcoming match against Cardiff City, Shelvey still has a lot of talent that is needed.

His creativity is unmatched by any other midfielder for Newcastle United. If he were match healthy, I’m sure we’d see more from both him and striker Salomon Rondon.

But just because the club has attempted to shoot down the rumors doesn’t mean the lure of good money won’t happen. Benitez needs transfer funds, and if the price is right, he may see Shelvey as the only way to get what he’s looking for in this window. Of course, that’s highly unlikely, but if Rafa can improve the squad with a Shelvey sale, it’s never out of the realm of possibility.