[ad_pod ]

Rafael Benitez has been handed a major boost after West Ham denied any interest in Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.

Benitez made clear on Tuesday that he wanted to keep the majority of his squad together, including Shelvey, after it was reported that the Hammers had identified the star as a key January target, but there is little chance of West Ham tabling a bid before the deadline.

What's the word?

Sources at West Ham have confirmed that, while they intend to sign a striker this month, there is no interest in securing a deal for Shelvey.

Indeed, the club are currently dealing with the Marko Arnautovic situation, with the striker lined up to move to Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG.

A striker, as a result, is the focus for the Irons, and there is no interest at the club in pursuing a deal for a midfielder.

The news will come as a major boost to Benitez, who has appeared embattled at times this season.

The Magpies are 18th in the Premier League and the Spaniard is desperate to keep his best players, telling Chronicle Live: "The idea is to keep as much as we can."

There had been reports claiming the Irons could swoop for Shelvey if they sell Pedro Obiang this month, but the deal does not appear to be on the table at all, with all focus turned to replacing the want-away Arnautovic.

Rare good news

Benitez will surely be delighted with the news as he attempts to steer Newcastle away from relegation.

Shelvey has struggled with injuries thus far this season - he has played in the Premier League only 11 times - but remains an integral member of the Magpies' squad.

Selling the midfielder this month, then, would have been a major blow to the Spaniard, particularly given that the club appear unlikely to invest in January.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer - check out the video below....

However, they can at least focus on this weekend's vital clash with Cardiff safe in the knowledge that Shelvey is unlikely to be the subject of a bid from the Hammers between now and the end of the month.

A win over the Bluebirds would lift the Magpies out of the relegation zone, at least for a weekend, with tough games against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur to come in the league, as well as an FA Cup tie versus Watford.