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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.

"It’s a pity. I was talking with him before the game saying I want to protect him. He said he was fine and he was training and he was fine (so he played)."

Can't sell without buying

Benitez would surely lose all trust in owner Mike Ashley if Shelvey is sold this month. Ashley appears to have made it clear that a deal for Almiron is dead, with the two clubs around £10m apart in their valuation of the playmaker. Shelvey, while struggling with injuries, remains a key part of the club's squad, and is integral to Benitez's plans this season. Selling the player without buying a replacement would be the equivalent of cutting Benitez's legs from under him, particularly with the club currently languishing in the relegation zone. The Magpies boss has decreed that Elliot can leave, and that is no surprise, given that the goalkeeper has not played a single minute of professional football this season. But Benitez has now said that he wants to keep Shelvey; Ashley must listen, rebuff any potential bids from West Ham, and ensure that the manager is given what he wants. Otherwise, the club may well find themselves playing Championship football next season.