Some West Ham supporters have been reacting on social media after Claret & Hugh suggested Manuel Pellegrini is an admirer of Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey.
We had allegedly tried to sign the 27-year-old in January, but our efforts to add the Romford-born ace to our squad were halted by Magpies boss Rafa Benitez, who feared he would be unable to replace the former England international.
Since then, the Irons have been linked with renewed interest a couple of times, with reports on Tyneside suggesting Pellegrini sees Shelvey’s deep-lying playmaking abilities as the perfect partner for Declan Rice.
The Sun also claimed we had eyes on the Charlton product in March, as he slipped down the Magpies’ pecking order and could look for a way out of St James’ Park, although a deal would set us back £20million.
Now, Claret & Hugh understand Pellegrini is indeed an admirer of the 6ft central midfielder and that a move has not been ruled out, citing a senior club source.
However, they add that he will not be signed should we prove successful in our efforts to land FC Barcelona’s Andre Gomes.
Shelvey, himself, is in no rush of facilitating an exit from Newcastle, after telling the Magpies’ official website that he intends to fight for a spot in the first-team again.
“Last season wasn’t the best for me,” he said. “The truth is, I got a very, very bad injury, and I’m not looking for excuses, but that is the reason I was out [of the team].
“I took a number of injections to try and get me [in a state] to play games, but it just wasn’t to be.
“People will write you off. But as far as I’m aware, I’m a Newcastle United player, and until I’m told otherwise I’ll keep fighting for a spot in this team and to show everyone how good I am.”
When it was later shared on Twitter that Pellegrini is an admirer of Shelvey, here’s how these West Ham fans reacted…
Limited Shelvey life in my opinion.
— Scott Tracey (@Hammersfanno) May 30, 2019
Not havin’ it lol
— ???????????????????????????? L⚒S ???????????????????????????? (@Lewis_Seddon94) May 30, 2019
How is he any better than Obiang? People only want him because he’s a ‘West Ham boy’, same as Wilshere and look how that turned out
— Elliot Tyler (@ElliotTyler11) May 30, 2019
he’s either suspended or injured move on go get Gomez
— steve hill (@steve5705) May 30, 2019
Get him
— Anthony Carney (@AnthonyCarney83) May 30, 2019
Please rule it out
— martin tyzack (@MTyzack) May 30, 2019
No thanks totally overrated and based on his ability it wouldn’t be an improvement on what we already have so would be a pointless singing.
— William Field (@wilfield71) May 31, 2019
No no no no no
— Jurac (@54fc875286444f7) May 30, 2019
If he were free maybe, not for the £20m they have been quoted to want for him
— Michael ⚒ Zdenek (@MichaelZdenek) May 30, 2019
Has he ever done anything? Does he even play? Lol useless
— Dani (@BeselidhjaFc) May 30, 2019