Conflicting reports comment on West Ham’s pursuit of Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey

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West Ham United are reportedly interested in Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.

There are vastly conflicting reports regarding West Ham’s chances of landing Jonjo Shelvey this month with the Daily Mirror reporting that Rafa Benitez has no intention of letting the midfielder leave Newcastle, while the Daily Express reports that a £12 million move is close.

Shelvey – a boyhood Hammers fan – has been an important member of Benitez’s squad since the Spaniard arrived at St James’ Park in 2016, and proved absolutely vital to the side that secured promotion back to the Premier League last season.

However, this term has been much more frustrating for the former Liverpool man. In 16 top flight appearances, the 25-year-old is yet to score or provide an assist but has been sent off twice.

And it appears that he may be closing in on the St James’ Park exit – or one report suggests that at least. The Express is claiming that the Magpies and the Hammers have been in discussions for the last couple of days and are closing in on agreeing a deal that will probably get the go-ahead once Newcastle have identified a replacement.

However, the Mirror is suggesting something very different, with their report claiming that Benitez does not want to sell one of his players to a team who may in the same relegation race come the end of the campaign.

If Benitez does not want to sell, it may well be a very smart move, even if Shelvey is struggling to find his best form this season. He clearly has the quality to improve a number of the teams in the Premier League so letting him leave for David Moyes’ side may be a gamble.