United may turn to Plan B on winger
The midfielder was hailed as the best player to have ever played in the Championship last season by his old boss Ian Holloway last season.
Back then he said: “Shelvey is the first name on the team sheet.
“He’s a genius – the best I’ve ever seen play in the Championship.
“He can get it off the centre-halves, dictate play and go beyond into the final third.
“When he gets into shooting positions he also has the quality to either score or find one of his mates.
“Shelvey is a Rolls-Royce of a footballer.”
Now, though, after some inconsistent spells in the Premier League playing for Liverpool and Swansea City, Shelvey must step things up in a black-and-white shirt.
With Benitez behind him and the chance to show his quality against the likes of Spurs, Manchester City, Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea, Shelvey has hit the ground running by returning to training early.
Newcastle fans will hope it can be the start of a great season for the Londoner. Chief sports writer NEWCASTLE United are assessing a host of alternative wingers on their shortlist after being told Liverpool are in no rush to make a decision on the club’s loan bid for Sheyi Ojo.
The Liverpool Echo reports that the bid for Ojo has initially been rejected by Jurgen Klopp in pre-season – but a decision on whether he is loaned out will be made later in the summer.
The Magpies also face competition from Burnley and Middlesbrough for the player’s signature.
But United have pushed on with plans to bring in new faces in time for the first week of pre-season and are working hard to move on a clutch of first-team squad members.
As reported in The Chronicle, the Magpies thrashed out a reviewed action plan at St James’ Park after reports of frustration for Rafa Benitez last weekend.
Newcastle chiefs want a decision from Yoan Gouffran soon with his contract about to expire.
The Frenchman has been offered a one-year contract but has taken time to make up his mind. Newcastle are also trying to move on Grant Hanley and Henri Saivet as Benitez looks to trim down his squad.
United players will discover in due course whether they have to report to the first-team training HQ or at Little Benton to train with the reserves.
Newcastle have spent the last few days finalising contracts for some of their Under-23 players with announcements on some deals expected soon.