Jonjo Shelvey Sets His Sights on European Football With Newcastle Amid Takeover Talk

Jonjo Shelvey has all but committed his future to his current club Newcastle United, stating he is relishing the prospect of playing in Europe for the Magpies one day.

And, that dream could become a possibility in the near future with current owner Mike Ashley edging ever closer to selling the Premier League club to Amanda Staveley's Saudi-backed consortium, and Newcastle being likely to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic as one of the country's wealthiest clubs.

Shelvey, however, who was recently 'linked' with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona, has dismissed any speculation linking him to a move away from the Tyneside club, and said he is determined to be part of a Newcastle side competing in a European competition, whoever the club's owners may be.

Prior to the English football season grinding to a halt almost two months ago, Steve Bruce had led his Newcastle side to the brink of Premier League safety, and guided them into the quarter finals of the FA Cup for the first time in 14 years.

But Shelvey, in an interview with 'In The Box' podcast (via The Mirror), had already cast his eyes towards bigger and better things: "By the time I'm finished, I'd like to have played in Europe with Newcastle."

He continued: "We had been doing so well this year - we were meant to be playing Manchester City at home in the FA Cup quarter finals. Obviously, you don't know what's going to happen with that.

"Hopefully, we can get to the final and get into Europe that way and, if not, we'll give it a go next season in the league but ideally that would be my main target."

The club moved to tie Shelvey down to a new deal shortly before the season came to halt, and the 28-year-old put pen to paper on a new three-year deal.

Since then, almost unbelievable stories linking the former Swansea and Liverpool man to Barcelona have emerged. But, Shelvey has reassured the Toon that he remains as committed as ever to the club.

"Just to play in Europe because when you're playing in Europe, this place is rocking. The city is unreal, so vibrant and the people are so friendly. It's just a great place to live and obviously my kids are settled up here and my missus loves it. She's got her mates and the kids have their school mates and dancing mates and things like that so it's just a great place."

And, if there was any doubt where Shelvey's head was at, he added: "You're so happy you don't want to unsettle things that don't need to be unsettled."