Jonjo Shelvey says that West Ham United wanted to sign him from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window.
The former Liverpool and Charlton Athletic midfielder has also claimed that it was Newcastle who stopped him from leaving for Premier League rivals West Ham, and has stated that he is happy playing for the Magpies.
According to The Chronicle, the 27-year-old England international midfielder is a boyhood West Ham fan.
Shelvey told The Chronicle: “I’ve not once stated that I want to leave this club. I was close to leaving to go to West Ham but it never came – the club said no to it.
“I’m happy here, I love living in the city. My kids go to school here, they love it. The oldest one is starting to talk like a Geordie. My youngest one was born up here. I love living here.”
Newcastle United struggles
Shelvey has been on the books of Newcastle since January 2016 when he joined from Swansea City for a transfer fee reported by BBC Sport to be worth £12 million.
The midfielder did well for Newcastle initially, but he has struggled for playing time in recent times.
According to WhoScored, the 27-year-old made 25 starts and five substitute appearances in the Premier League for the Magpies during the 2017-18 campaign, scoring one goal and providing three assists in the process.
Last season, Shelvey made just 10 starts and only six substitute appearances in the league for Newcastle, scoring one goal and providing one assist in the process, according to WhoScored.
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