West Ham United and Newcastle United could have a swap deal on the table.
West Ham have an interest in taking Jonjo Shelvey, while Newcastle are keen on Hernandez – but at the moment no deal looks likely to be done.
Benitez has decided that he does not want to do business with a relegation rival, as he does not want to strengthen them.
But swapping Shelvey for Hernandez could be a smart move for both Newcastle and West Ham.
Shelvey’s form has been frustrating for Newcastle so far this campaign, with his indiscipline proving costly.
While the midfielder is one of the most technically able members of Benitez’s squad, he is not as crucial as signing a striker would be.
Newcastle could cope without Shelvey, but their survival chances are in the balance without a clinical finisher.
Hernandez could fill that void in their squad, and Benitez should reconsider his decision not to do business with West Ham, as a trade deal could make a lot of sense.
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