Nottingham Forest ‘close’ to signing Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey
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Nottingham Forest have entered negotiations with Newcastle United over signing long-serving midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, according to reports. The 30-year-old has been a mainstay on Tyneside since his arrival in January 2016.
The Telegraph claim Forest are keen to secure a permanent transfer before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Steve Cooper poached Chris Wood on loan earlier this in the window and appears keen to sign Shelvey, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
A busy month six years ago saw Mike Ashley stump up £12million to lure the midfielder from Swansea City as he desperately tried to stave off Premier League relegation. While the Magpies failed to stay up, Shelvey played a key role in rebuilding the club in the following years.
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Over 200 appearances in black-and-white stripes coincided with the club returning to the big time and cementing their top-flight status for five seasons. The midfielder, who earned six England caps earlier in his career, was instrumental in beating the drop under Eddie Howe last season.
His free-kick winner against Leeds United proved the catalyst as the Magpies went on to finish 14 points clear of the bottom three. However, injuries have hampered his 2022-23 campaign.
A hamstring problem suffered at Benfica in pre-season ruled him out until November. After a few substitute appearances, Shelvey then endured a calf injury, for which he is nearing a return.
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