Charlton: Shelvey signs contract

He had been linked to a host of Premier League clubs, most recently London rivals West Ham.

Charlton chairman Richard Murray said: “Being able to sign Jonjo is a testament to the club and the spirit running through it at the moment.

“He’s a great talent, and as everyone would expect, he attracted interest from many quarters, including clubs in the Premier League.

“He had a choice: should he sign for us or one of these alternative clubs and we go to a tribunal? But now he has committed his future to Charlton.

“Jonjo likes the way Phil has involved him in the team and he believes he can play a part in the rest of the season and hopefully keep us in the Championship.

“There is no question Jonjo is an ambitious player, and he could be one of the mainstays of Charlton’s future.

“We have been very careful to nurture him and not rush his development, and I think that policy has been rewarded.

“Phil speaks to him very often about his game and discusses the role he is looking for him to play for the club, and that role may change as Jonjo goes through his career.

“All in all, we haven’t had too much good news at Charlton lately, and this is certainly great for the club.

“Hopefully we can follow it up with a good result against Swansea City on Saturday and some good results over the next week or so as well.�