Lots of Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media to reports by the Chronicle, claiming the club are plotting a major contract extension for Jonjo Shelvey.
The midfielder’s current £70,000-per-week deal is due to expire in the summer of 2021, but Shelvey has told club chiefs that he would like to spend the peak years of his career at St. James’ Park.
Shelvey is keen to remain at the club beyond his current terms as he feels settled in the North East, and hopes to become the main man after being given greater responsibilities by head coach Steve Bruce, including wearing the captain’s armband.
Discussions are underway between the 27-year-old’s agent and Managing Director Lee Charnley over seeing the former England international extend his spell on Tyneside, though both parties are said to be relaxed on the situation heading into the new year.
One sticking point in discussions could be Shelvey’s lucrative wage, which makes him one of the highest earners in the Magpies dressing room – club-record signing Joelinton is believed to have taken the top-earners spot upon his arrival in the summer.
The extensive speculation over his future earlier in the year is also noted as one of the reasons why Shelvey is keen to commit to United, having been heavily linked with a move to West Ham United, the club he supported as a kid.
Does Shelvey deserve a new contract?
Yes
No
West Ham were frequently credited with an interest in a deal worth around £15million, which strengthened after seeing their efforts to land Andre Gomes from FC Barcelona dented before he signed for Everton.
Shelvey has since become a key part of Bruce’s plans after a shaky start, opening eight of our last ten Premier League games and scoring five goals this term – more than double any other Toon player.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to the reports of Newcastle holding talks with Shelvey’s agent over a new contract…
Absolute fraud of a footballer stealing a living from the odd hollywood pass. Whoever sanctions a contract extension for him should be sacked on the spot.
— Toon Stew (@toonarmyblog) December 29, 2019
Would be another huge mistake by NUFC.
— ⚕ ᑕᕼᖇIS ⚕ (@kicka11) December 30, 2019
LOL, his ‘peak’ years? Give me a break #nufc
— gavinquinlan (@gavinquinlan) December 29, 2019
Wouldn’t waste our money
— Andrew Watson (@Poet_or_a_fool) December 29, 2019
Think they need to tie up a few youngsters both beginning with the letter L, before they even consider offering this guy a new deal….
— mr1234 (@onmyshoe) December 29, 2019
Sensible. He stunk yesterday but he’s a good footballer.
— Dean Burns (@deanoburns) December 29, 2019
Very hit and miss but has done well recently. Wouldn’t mind seeing him in a 4-3-3.
— Ash Sales (@ashsales22) December 29, 2019
He’s the best at what he does. An incredible player when he’s in form. Perhaps Bruce can get the best out of him? He wears the armband with pride in Jamma’s absence. Is he willing and motivated enough to work on the other side of his game? ⚽
— The Mag Pint (@themagpint) December 29, 2019
couldn’t get a game 6 months ago and now he wears the armband, I have no doubt he’s asking to negotiate a new contract
— Ryan (@mal68au) December 29, 2019
Meh too hit and miss for me. When he’s bad he’s awful and that is more often than his good games
— SRELLAIN (@SRELLAIN) December 29, 2019
In other Newcastle United news, a £40k-p/w Toon man has been linked with a January exit.