Frank McAvennie says new deal for Shelvey ‘makes sense’

Jonjo Shelvey had an uncertain future at Newcastle United before Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce as manager, as he was frequently getting criticised for performances and didn’t look happy in the black-and-white strip.

Howe’s arrival has seen the 29-year-old turn things around, however, as he’s now in fantastic form and finds himself in line to be given a contract extension. Shelvey divides the fanbase because of his inconsistency since his 2016 arrival, but Frank McAvennie believes he deserves the new deal.

He told Football Insider: “It comes as a shock but it makes sense from a business standpoint because they won’t want to let him go for nothing. He has done really well at Newcastle and he will probably be up for the fight when Newcastle sign all of these huge players in the summer.”

It’s a bold move by Newcastle as they’re expected to spend big over the summer now their takeover by Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media has yielded lucrative funds for new recruits. Bruno Guimaraes was signed last month to bolster the midfield, so he’ll be competing with Shelvey for a starting place and won’t be the last.

McAvennie added: “(A new deal is) a win-win for Shelvey. I imagine he’s on decent money at Newcastle and if he does end up leaving then there will be no shortage of suitors for him. I still think he’s a good player and he could probably settle in most Premier League teams.”

Shelvey has made 17 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals. The England international had made just two tackles in his first eight games of the season before Howe was appointed. He’s since made 14 tackles and 11 interceptions from the eight games that followed.

“He’s a damn good player, he just doesn’t do it