OPINION
Newcastle United could be standing on the brink of a summer full of upheaval.
A number of key first team figures, from manager Rafa Benitez to main striker Salomon Rondon, could be on their way out of the club in the near future, and at this stage, it is difficult to tell where exactly the Magpies will be come the start of the new season.
One man whose time at St. James’ Park is less than assured is playmaker Jonjo Shelvey.
The midfielder is said to be sweating over his future on Tyneside, as reported by The Sun, and West Ham are understood to be keen on offering him an escape route from his Toon limbo.
The Magpies cannot, however, let him go.
This campaign has been tricky one for the 27-year-old, who has been predominantly absent through injury, but he still has a lot to offer, and allowing him to walk away from the club would be a mistake.
There are still few, if any, players in the Premier League who have the natural vision and range of passing that he possesses. If he is given a run in the team, free from injury, he could still be a huge influencer of things for United.
With Ayoze Perez and Miguel Almiron flitting about in front of him, not to mention Rondon should he stay, Shelvey has all the tools at his disposal to be a real force for the Toon Army next season.
The £70,000-a-week ace [Spotrac] has to be convinced to stay.
