Newcastle United are working on the offer of a major contract extension for midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.
The former Liverpool man is going into the final 18 months of his current deal and has told the Toon hierarchy he would like to spend the peak years of his career at St James' Park.
Shelvey wants to put an end to talk that he is pining for a return to London following a series of links with West Ham United in recent windows.
Discussions with Shelvey's agent and managing director Lee Charnley are at the "ongoing" stage but Newcastle are receptive to the possibility of him staying beyond 2021.
It is believed that both Shelvey's people and United chiefs are relatively relaxed about the situation going into the new year.
Toon head coach Steve Bruce is delighted with Shelvey after handing him extra responsibilities this season, including the captain's armband on numerous occasions.
Shelvey's wages will need to be negotiated carefully with the ex-Charlton Athletic man the highest paid player in the United dressing room.
The Romford-born player will be 28 early in 2020 and this will be the most important contract of his career in many ways.
But Shelvey is settled and eager to be the main man at St James' Park.
His performances have been excellent this season and he is top scorer with five goals.
Shelvey said earlier this year: "At the end of the day, I’m playing for a new contract now.
"I want to stay here, and hopefully a contract will be sorted.
"The kids love it up here – they’ve got their friends here."
