Jonjo Shelvey’s Newcastle future is under threat as the Magpies look to continue their impressive recruitment drive this January, with four midfielders on Eddie Howe’s radar.
A comprehensive 3-0 win over Leicester City has meant that Howe’s side are second in the Premier League ahead of Manchester City’s trip to Elland Road on Wednesday night, three points ahead of fourth-placed Tottenham and having lost just once all season, a record only matched by league leaders Arsenal.
From start to finish – majestic. ✨ pic.twitter.com/wfRN7WtfAg
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 27, 2022
And, for the first time in almost two decades, there is genuine belief that a European push could be on the cards, with Chelsea and Liverpool both having made poor starts to the season only serving to enhance that.
To that end, the Magpies are expected to be active in January, and have identified central midfield as a key area of improvement. It could spell the end for Jonjo Shelvey, who needs to start two more matches this season to trigger his one-year extension at St James’ Park. So far, however, he has made just three appearances and is currently out injured.
And, as per the Daily Mail, there are four new midfielders on Eddie Howe’s wishlist. The former Bournemouth manager is keeping tabs on soon to be out of contract Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, who has been strongly linked with Arsenal, as well as Chelsea’s Jorginho, who is also a free agent in six months as it stands.
And in keeping with their desire to add more young talent to their side, French duo Kephren Thuram (Nice) and Kouadio Kone (Borussia Monchengladbach) are also on the wishlist of the Magpies boss this January, though both would likely be more expensive with the pair under contract at their respective clubs until 2025.
