Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe was left baffled on Monday morning after hearing the reports linking Jonjo Shelvey with a potential move away to Turkey.

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There have been reports suggesting the English midfielder could be headed for the exit doors at St. James' Park this month with a potential move to Turkey.

It is believed the Turkish side in question is Besiktas, which could see Shelvey reunite with a number of former Premier League players.

The reports from Turkey have suggested the two clubs are currently in talks over a potential move for the midfielder with talks going well despite his ongoing injury issue.

However, speaking to Howe on Monday morning, journalist Craig Hope said on his YouTube channel that these reports took Howe by shock with it clearly news to him:

"Jonjo Shelvey, again, Eddie Howe was mystified as to links with the move to Turkey," said Hope.

News to Howe

Newcastle are already fairly thin for options in midfield with the recent injury scare to Bruno Guimaraes certainly causing a few concerns among those at the club.

Fortunately for Newcastle, the injury to Guimaraes was not serious and he featured in the game on Saturday night against Crystal Palace.

However, it did show just how one more injury could leave Howe's options stretched in that midfield which has since seen links to the likes of Conor Gallagher emerge.

It has been a difficult campaign for Shelvey who has only played a handful of games thus far having struggled with injuries which are expected to have him out for at least another month.

Last season, Shelvey did play a fairly significant role for Newcastle with 24 appearances to his name in the Premier League, however, injuries held him back again.

As a result of his injury woes this season, Shelvey is expected to potentially miss the contract extension clause in his current deal which would activate another season on his stay at Newcastle.

But given he has struggled so significantly through injuries this season and last, we do wonder whether Howe will be looking to replace the Englishman in the summer for a more reliable option in midfield.

And with links to potentially adding another player this month to their midfield, it does make you wonder whether this could be the end for Shelvey on Tyneside even if he doesn't leave in the transfer window.