Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper has confirmed that Jonjo Shelvey is undergoing a medical at the City Ground. The Reds are signing the midfielder from Newcastle where he’s been since 2016.
Shelvey has fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park. He’s made just four appearances during the 2022/23 campaign and will now sign for the Reds to enhance his playing time.
The midfielder is a vastly experienced player and has played Premier League football with Liverpool, Swansea and Newcastle. However, in recent years, his injury record has been poor and that is a concern.
Shelvey when fit is a different situation altogether. He’s a player who has played six times for England during his career and Cooper has confirmed that he’s currently at the City Ground.
He told Football Daily: “I won’t deny that Jonjo is having a medical. You’ve all seen him here, so it’d be wrong to deny it.”
Shelvey is expected to complete his move to Forest later today. Once the medical examinations are completed, the Reds will sign him to a contract, although he’s currently injured.
The midfielder is due back from a hamstring problem in around 10 days. That isn’t really ideal but he should be back to play an important part in Forest’s push towards survival.
Cooper has confirmed Shelvey medical
It’s always a mystery when a player can undergo a medical when they’re currently injured. Still, that’s what Shelvey has done and it seems likely that the Reds will get the deal over the line.
Clearly, Forest have wanted to add another midfielder this month. Ryan Yates and Cheikhou Kouyate are both out injured and it’s not clear when either of those players will return.
That might leave the Reds short in midfield and perhaps that’s why another option had been identified. Shelvey must fancy his chances of getting in the Forest team as he won’t fancy sitting on the bench at the City Ground.
This deal now looks to be nearing completion. With the transfer deadline around the corner, it will be interesting to see what names crop up alongside Forest’s over the next 24 hours.