Shelvey closing in on Newcastle deal extension

Jonjo Shelvey is reportedly close to agreeing a new contract extension to keep him at Newcastle beyond summer 2021. The 27-year-old midfielder, who joined the Magpies from Swansea in a £12million deal in January 2016, has struggled to hold down a regular place in the side at St James’ Park.
Shelvey made just 17 appearances in Rafael Benitez’s final season at the helm last term, while he had fallen behind Matty and Sean Longstaff in Steve Bruce’s pecking order because of his form and a niggling calf issue.
However, with Sean serving a suspension after being red-carded in the 1-1 draw against Wolves, Matty was left on the bench in Saturday’s 3-2 win at West Ham.
Shelvey was handed a recall at the London Stadium by Bruce and he repaid the faith shown in him with an impressive display, while he also scored the third goal via a superb direct free-kick.
And as Bruce is keen to ensure Shelvey remains a part of his plans, reports claim he will look to tie him down to a new deal in the near future.
The former Charlton and Liverpool man will see his valuation drop if he moves into the final 12 months of his current contract next summer.
However, Shelvey has previously stated his desire to stay put at St James’ Park.
He said: “I want to sign a new contract. I’ve never once come out and said that I wanted to leave the club. I don’t want to leave the club. I’m happy here and I’m settled here.”
Shelvey is not the only player that Newcastle are looking to tie down to new deals as Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot, Federico Fernandez, Javier Manquillo and Ki Sung-yueng will be out of contract next summer.
Ciaran Clark, Fabian Schar, Isaac Hayden and Matt Ritchie are set to see their contracts expire at the same time as Shelvey in 20 months’ time.