Shelvey in Newcastle limbo as injured star needs to play two games for new deal while club eye two transfer replacements

JONJO SHELVEY'S Newcastle future is in doubt after the star was injured - and the club eye replacements.

The 30-year-old will be sidelined until February with a calf strain.

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And he is now set for a race against time to secure his Newcastle future.

Shelvey has to play two more matches to trigger a one-year contract extension at St James' Park, according to the .

His contract is up in the summer and his injury setback limits his chances of getting football.

Toon boss Eddie Howe is believed to be a big fan of the ex-Liverpool man but Shelvey is down the pecking order when it comes to midfieders.

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He has only made three Premier League appearances this season and two in the Carabao Cup.

The tremendous form of the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton has kept him out of the team.

Shelvey's position is further weakened as reports emerge that Newcastle are looking to bring in high-profile midfielders.

The Magpies are believed to have made Jorginho their "prime target" as they look to swoop for the Chelsea ace.

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The Italian's deal has only six months left on his deal could potentially walk out of Stamford Bridge for free in the summer.

Howe, sporting director Dan Ashworth and recruitment chief Steve Nickson have also got other targets they are assessing.

The north-east side are believed to have joined Arsenal in the hunt for Youri Tielemans.

Like Jorginho, the Belgian's deal expires in the summer and he is being watched by multiple clubs.

Newcastle also have some younger targets they are looking at in their bid for more midfielders.

Borussia Monchengladbach's Kouadio Kone and Khephren Thuram of Nice, both 21, have reportedly caught the idea of club scouts.

Even without high-profile recruitments, Newcastle are enjoying an outstanding Premier League season and currently sit second after stringing together a series of wins.