Newcastle United player 'close' to comeback – and contract extension

Shelvey suffered a hamstring injury which needed surgery in a friendly against Benfica at the Estadio da Luz in late July.

The midfielder made a tentative return to training this month, but won’t be involved in Sunday's game against Manchester United at Old Trafford, according to Eddie Howe.

“Yeah, he’s getting closer,” said United’s head coach ahead of Sunday’s game against Manchester United at Old Trafford. “He's trained, not necessarily full training at this moment in time, but he’s very, very close. He’s doing very well.”

Shelvey revealed in the summer that he was three games away from a one-year contract extension.

The 30-year-old said: “I’ve got three games to get another year, and hopefully I should do that this season. I mean, I’d be a bit worried if I didn’t!

"At the end of the day you’re always playing for a new contract, and I’m not thick, I’m not getting younger. I’m 30 years of age – and I look about 40! You just want to be part of it. The only way for this club is up – and a lot of people would want to be in my shoes.

"Positivity’s great around the club. We went through a really bad spell. I’ve been six-and-a-half years now, we know what the craic is around the city – and what you can and can’t do.

"It’s a really good place to be at the minute, the city is buzzing. My missus and kids love it up here.”