Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe admits he didn't want to lose midfielder Jonjo Shelvey to Nottingham Forest.
The 30-year-old is set to undergo a medical today (Monday) ahead of signing a two-and-a-half year deal with the Reds. Shelvey was looking for a new challenge after entering the final months of his contract at St James' Park after a seven-year stint at St James' Park.
Injuries meant he was restricted to just three appearances for Howe this season, and has missed the Magpies' last five matches. Speaking about Shelvey amid his move, Howe told Chronicle Live: "Jonjo has had injuries this season and certainly I would not want to lose him.
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"But I have to understand again, similar to Chris Wood, the player's wishes with his contract coming to an end. It will be very difficult to keep Jonjo currently with where he wants his career to go.
"We can keep players who want to leave, there is nothing to say that every player that wants to leave you have to let go. But you have to take every situation independently and try to judge everything, judge what is best for him and the club.
"This is a very difficult situation, from a footballing perspective, I definitely want to keep Jonjo, I rate him highly but then there's his situation to think about. Jonjo I believe is talking to Nottingham Forest, I don't know what stage that is at.
"He has been a huge player for this football club over the last seven years, he has been an important part of my squad since I have been here."
How much of a boost will Shelvey be for Forest? Let us know in the comments section...
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