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Lascelles and Shelvey are untouchable for Newcastle United

By Durim Halimi

HULL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 29: Rafa Benitez manager of Newcastle United and Jonjo Shelvey (L) and Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United (R) in discussion following defeat in the penalty shoot out after the EFL Cup Quarter-Final match between Hull City and Newcastle United at KCOM Stadium on November 29, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
HULL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 29: Rafa Benitez manager of Newcastle United and Jonjo Shelvey (L) and Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United (R) in discussion following defeat in the penalty shoot out after the EFL Cup Quarter-Final match between Hull City and Newcastle United at KCOM Stadium on November 29, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey were key players for Newcastle United this season and they will not be sold this summer.

The summer transfer window incites two things every year – absurd transfer records and innumerable rumors. While Newcastle may not be familiar with breaking transfer records, the Magpies’ skipper, Jamaal Lascelles, has been linked with several elite clubs.

Recent reports state that Everton are the newest Premier League side to join the race for obtaining Lascelles’ services. In addition to Everton, other notable clubs that are after Lascelles include Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Jonjo Shelvey’s name has not been mentioned much this summer, but his positive form certainly attracted attention. Like Lascelles, most pundits disagree with Shelvey’s exclusion from the World Cup roster and that says a lot about his skills and potential.

The rumor mill is endless, especially for Lascelles, but it is highly unlikely that club’s executives will sell their star players. Here are two major reasons why Lascelles and Shelvey are essentially untouchable this summer.

Jamaal Lascelles: Team Leader

Rafa Benitez would surely depart Tyneside after next season if the Magpies sold his young captain. Jamaal Lascelles is the main man for Benitez on the pitch and the 24-year-old defender is Newcastle’s most reliable player. The vocal leadership that Lascelles provides the Magpies is unmatched by any other name on the team sheet.

Lascelles has also expressed his admiration for the club and its supporters multiple times last season. Lascelles clearly acknowledges that he can play for a European contender, but he is also optimistic for the Rafalution.

Jonjo Shelvey: Key Facilitator

Jonjo Shelvey had his ups and downs to start the 2017/18 campaign, but he ended on a high note as a top player for Newcastle. Shelvey may not be linked with several clubs like Lascelles, but the defensive midfielder has been praised for his consistency and superior passing.

Shelvey is the defensive anchor and offensive facilitator for Newcastle in midfield. The Magpies are heavily dependent on consistency from Shelvey to take points from opponents. Only 26-years-old, Shelvey is the key player that Benitez will want to build his midfield around.