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Swansea boss reveals real reason behind Jonjo Shelvey’s £12m Newcastle move
SWANSEA boss Alan Curtis has revealed the real reason behind Jonjo Shelvey’s move to Newcastle.
Jonjo Shelvey left Swansea to find first-team football elsewhere
The England midfielder completed his move to the Magpies on Tuesday and claimed earlier today at his unveiling that he needed a ‘new challenge’.
But Curtis says the 23-year-old wanted to leave after losing his place in the first-team, having started just one of the Swans’ last seven Premier League games.
The former Charlton and Liverpool man signed a five-and-a-half-year contract at St James’ Park, costing Newcastle a reported fee of £12million.
"It was just a case of Jonjo wanting to play first-team football,” Curtis explained. “And in the end it was probably a good deal for both parties.
Jonjo Shelvey will be available for tomorrow's visit of West Ham
Alan Curtis says Jonjo Shelvey left for first-team football
"The money was good and it was probably good for Jonjo to move, it was in the interest of both parties for him to have a fresh start."
Shelvey, who has won six England caps to date, joined Swansea in the summer of 2013 for £5m after failing to secure a first-team spot at Liverpool.