Midfielder set for emotional farewell ahead of Newcastle United deadline day transfer

Jonjo Shelvey is set to bid an emotional farewell to Newcastle United at tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Southampton (kick-off 8pm).

The 30-year-old is currently down south finalising his deadline day move to Nottingham Forest - but will be in attendance at St James’ Park this evening.

According to Sky Sports News, Shelvey wants to be at the game to say his goodbyes to teammates, staff and fans after seven years on Tyneside.

United head coach Eddie Howe had wanted Shelvey to stay at Newcastle after labelling him an “invaluable member” of the squad last week.

However, it was Shelvey who wanted to pursue a move to the City Ground with his contract at St James’ Park expiring in the summer.

At Forest, the former Liverpool midfielder has been offered a two-and-a-half-year and reported wage increase as he enters the latter years of his career.

“Jonjo has been a huge player for this football club over the last seven years,” Howe said on Monday. “I think he’s been a very important part of my squad since I’ve been here. Unfortunately he’s had injuries this season.

“Certainly, I would not want to lose him, but I have to understand, similar to Chris Wood’s situation, the player’s wishes with his contract coming to an end this summer.

“I think it would be difficult to keep Jonjo currently with where he wants his career to go.

“You can keep players that want to leave, but that’s not to say every player that wants to leave you can let go but I think you have to take every situation independently really and try and judge everything and just what’s be for him and the club.”

Shelvey made 202 appearances for United since joining from Swansea City in January 2016.