Jonjo Shelvey's injury is a 'blow' but should not change Newcastle United's transfer 'priority' in the remaining weeks of the window. That is the view of former Magpies midfielder Lee Clark, who believes the 're-emergence' of Sean Longstaff means Eddie Howe will remain focused upon his search for new attackers.
Shelvey was one of numerous first-team stars to show signs of improvement following the appointment of Howe in November. The former Liverpool playmaker's form alongside Joelinton and Joe Willock meant Bruno Guimaraes had to wait patiently for his first start following his January move.
Shelvey worked with a personal trainer in Turkey ahead of Newcastle's pre-season programme, with the 30-year-old aiming to enter the new season in the best shape of his career. However, a hamstring injury suffered in the Eusebio Cup defeat to Benfica last month has left the midfielder facing three months on the sidelines.
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The injury setback has led some Newcastle fans to speculate whether Howe will now move for another midfielder in the window, with a recent report claiming a loan enquiry has been made for Chelsea's Conor Gallagher. Elliot Anderson is now expected to remain on Tyneside and provide a squad option in central midfield.
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However, it is the recent form of fellow academy graduate Longstaff which Clark feels will dissuade Howe from actively searching for another midfielder. The 24-year-old signed a new deal in the summer, and is capable of playing in either a deeper role or a more advanced position.
When asked if Shelvey's injury will affect Newcastle's transfer plans, Clark said: "For me, it's not a priority and the reason I say that is the re-emergence of Sean Longstaff since Eddie has come into the club. I think he has improved so much with Eddie's coaching and his staff, I think Eddie is getting the best out of Sean.
"There was a spell where Sean first came on to the scene, everything was great. Under Steve Bruce, he stagnated a bit and there was talk of him leaving. I think fans were a bit divided, a lot of them were probably thinking we'll use that money elsewhere.
"But since Eddie has come through the door, he has improved his confidence and I think that wouldn't be a priority for me. There's other players in there if push comes to shove who can play in those positions. It is a blow because Jonjo, like most of the players since Eddie has come in, showed a really good run of form.
"But I think Eddie will probably be more than happy with what he's got there and prioritise other positions. That's not to say because I've been a manager, if a top midfield player becomes available, he doesn't go in for him. That's what Eddie will be looking to do, try and improve the squad in every window."
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