Eddie Howe’s transfer plans shaped by Shelvey injury

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has revealed the injury to midfielder Jonjo Shelvey could shape his Newcastle United transfer plans in the final weeks of the summer window. Newcastle had been looking to add only two more players to their ranks with a wide forward and a young striker on their radar. However, with creator Shelvey out for the next 12 weeks due to a hamstring surgery, Howe admits that he may have to consider building strength in that department.

“I wouldn’t say it was our main focus but it’s something in the back of our minds, if we need to do something then we have the capability of doing something in that position. But we have other positions that are more of a priority currently,” Howe said. “I feel we have enough to cover his absence currently, but you know football, it can change very quickly.

Losing Jonjo is a big blow, he’s been a huge player for us the last few seasons. He brings unique qualities in that midfield role. “Bruno played in that position on Saturday and did very well and we do have other players — Sean’s played the position during pre-season and again done very well.

He used the ball excellently. We have a couple of options but we’re going to miss Jonjo.” Shelvey, a mainstay in the Newcastle starting line-up last season, limped out of the Magpies’ 3-2 friendly loss to Benfica last month and has since gone under the knife to rectify his injury. Howe does intend to name the former Liverpool and England man in his 25-man Premier League squad for the first half the season, despite the fact he may only be able to play a handful of matches.

“It was quite a complex one,” said Howe of the 30-year-old’s injury. “We had a number of scans and opinions because we wanted to make the right call. It wasn’t a