According to The Sun, Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri wants to offer Tom Cairney in a swap deal for Newcastle United playmaker Jonjo Shelvey in the upcoming January transfer window.
What’s the story?
As per the aforementioned report, Cairney has apparently fallen out with the Craven Cottage hierarchy, leaving his future with the Cottagers in doubt. Ranieri is seemingly keen to offload the 27-year-old.
Shelvey himself has issues at St James’ Park, having fallen out of favour somewhat with Rafa Benitez. The Magpies are certainly less reliant upon the 6-cap England international this season, who has struggled to influence many Premier League matches recently.
Check out the video below for Emma Conybeare’s rundown of which clubs need what in the January transfer window…
Despite that, losing Shelvey might seem like a major blow for Newcastle. However, gaining Cairney could well be positive enough to outweigh that loss.
A much-needed boost
For all of his creativity, technical talent and playmaking ability, Shelvey remains something of a liability to Benitez’s side. The 26-year-old is simply not diligent enough defensively, and lacks the consistency and temperament to be relied upon week in, week out.
Though Shelvey is more proven and experienced at Premier League level than Cairney, the arrival of the Fulham man could give the Tyneside club a boost in much-needed areas. The 2-cap Scotland international is a leader and relentlessly hard-working, willing to do his bit defensively for the team. He also operates as a No. 10 – rather than in the deep-lying role Shelvey takes up – which is a position Newcastle could do with fresh blood in.
If Fulham do propose this swap offer, then Newcastle could get the better end of the deal by accepting it.
