BBC Pundit explains why £12m man could save Newcastle some money

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Garth Crooks has claimed in his BBC Sport Team of the Week that Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey could save his new owners some cash in January.

Shelvey, 29, has been earmarked by Eddie Howe as a player that will be crucial to Newcastle’s fight against relegation. He has started both games.

The £12million man looks fit and raring to go after an injury lay-off that saw him miss six games. Now, he has performed well, despite the results.

Newcastle are likely to be in the market for reinforcements and a priority will be midfield. But Shelvey’s resurgence might save some cash.

That is according to BBC Sport pundit Crooks, who thinks an in-form Shelvey will save the new owners the trouble of buying a new midfielder.

“Eddie Howe has got an awful lot to do. However, I couldn’t help but notice the new manager has invested some faith in Jonjo Shelvey,” Crooks said.

“If Howe can get Shelvey fit and focused for any length of time, Newcastle might save themselves quite a bit of money in January.“

Crooks on Shelvey: Newcastle need a terrier with England international

Shelvey is a brilliant player, when in possession. But defensively, he is not ideal – especially in a side that are playing two central midfielders.

Howe’s 3-4-3 is likely to excite and grab goals – their three against Brentford for example. But to play a two-man midfield, they need an engine room.

If Shelvey is to be one half of that, they need a midfielder that can work his socks off – but with the quality to win the ball back and feed Shelvey.

Much like N’Golo Kante does alongside Jorginho at Chelsea. Who Newcastle go after remains to be seen, but Shelvey does have the necessary quality.