Newcastle tipped to replace Jonjo Shelvey as pundit names ‘standout’ successor in midfield

A pundit thinks Newcastle United could look to replace Jonjo Shelvey in the near future and has named a ‘standout’ player who would do a brilliant job in their midfield.

Shelvey came through Charlton Athletic’s academy before making his first-team debut for the club in April 2008. He would play 49 times for Charlton, scoring eight goals, before Liverpool came in for him in 2010.

The central midfielder went on to make 69 appearances for Liverpool, either side of a loan spell at Blackpool. He was sold by the Reds three years after his arrival at Anfield, as Swansea paid £5.2million for him.

Shelvey has been at Newcastle since January 2016. Last season, the six-cap England international featured in 25 matches in all competitions.

Eddie Howe gave him the captain’s armband towards the end of the season after deciding to leave usual skipper Jamaal Lascelles on the bench.

Shelvey, now 30, appears to be an important part of Howe’s plans going forward. That’s despite them having the finances to bring in top-class midfielders such as Bruno Guimaraes.

But pundit Noel Whelan reckons the Magpies may decide to sign a better player in Shelvey’s position in the next few years.

And the former striker tipped Southampton ace James Ward-Prowse to excel at St James’ Park.

“I think when you’re looking at upgrades, and you’re looking at Jonjo Shelvey, he’s (Ward-Prowse) more of a box-to-box,” Whelan told Football Insider.

“He’s aggressive in midfield, he’s got that set-piece speciality I don’t think Jonjo Shelvey has consistently.

“I think he gets you more goals and wins you more games, if you’re going to ask me who fits better in that midfield.

“I think he’s a fantastic player, I really do. Every time I see him for England, he doesn’t look