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Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez wants to keep Jonjo Shelvey at the club amid interest from West Ham United.
The Hammers have reportedly identified Shelvey as a potential target, but the Spaniard wants to keep the midfielder at the club.
What's the word?
The London Evening Standard claim that the Hammers are keen to sign Shelvey in January as they look to bolster their squad.
The report, however, says that the deal hinges on West Ham selling Pedro Obiang to Fiorentina for a fee of £10million.
Nevertheless, Benitez, who has yet to sign a player this month despite reported interest in Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almiron, says he does not want to allow any first-team players to leave St James' Park.
Asked by Chronicle Live if players could leave, Benitez admitted that goalkeeper Rob Elliot could depart, but shut down any talk of key outfield players being sold.
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"I said before that Elliott was available, the others it depends. The idea is to keep as much as we can," he said.
Shelvey has been struggling with a thigh injury this season and Benitez is unsure if the midfielder will be able to play against Cardiff City in the Premier League this weekend, though he is unlikely to be involved in the FA Cup third round replay with Blackburn Rovers.
"We are just checking. The problem with Jonjo is Jonjo was pushing to play. That is positive in one way, negative because he was feeling (it) a little bit still. So he played in the FA Cup and after the game he was feeling his thigh," Benitez explained.