Newcastle United favourite set for Sunderland debut in shock January transfer
Former Newcastle United star Jonjo Shelvey is training with Burnley and could be signed before their clash with Sunderland this weekend.
Signed in 2016 from Swansea City, the midfielder spent seven years at St James’ Park, working under Steve McClaren, Rafa Benitez, Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe. The Magpies were relegated just five months into Shelvey’s tenure but he played an important role in bouncing back the following season.
Newcastle fought valiantly each season to stay afloat during the latter years of the Mike Ashley era. Forming a midfield partnership with Isaac Hayden, the now 32-year-old made 202 appearances in all competitions across seven seasons.
The Saudi-backed takeover promised investment and United’s natural progression saw Shelvey move on. Spells at Nottingham Forest and in Turkey have not worked out, with the former England international now eyeing a return on UK soil.
Ex-Toon captain Scott Parker has revealed Shelvey is training with Burnley - who are set to face Sunderland on Saturday. The Clarets boss said: “He's still training at the moment, yes. He's been with us now for a couple of days now, three or four days training with us. We decided to bring Jonjo in, we understand his quality and just wanted to have a closer look.
“We've not made a decision yet and we'll have those conversations in the coming days with Jonjo on how I see things and where he sits with it as well really. I'm not really sure at this present moment in time (whether a deal is close).
“It's been such a short space of time that Jonjo's been here. But he's been first class since he's come in, applied himself in the right way. But it's still too early to say."