Newcastle United transfer news: Jonjo Shelvey hopes St James' Park move will improve Euro 2016 prospects

Jonjo Shelvey hopes joining Newcastle United will boost his chances of going to Euro 2016 with England. The 23-year-old midfielder has made the switch from Swansea City to Tyneside in a £12m ($17.2m) deal, and thinks the move will help his fledgling international career.

Shelvey admitted moving to St James' Park was, in part, motivated by his desire to make Roy Hodgson's squad for the European Championship in France. "England was a big part of coming here. I want to play football and get myself to the Euros.

"With Steve McClaren here, I think he can push me and coach me in the right way to get me there. Playing in front of 52,000 fans, there is no better platform as a 23-year-old, with people loving you and singing your name," Newcastle's latest signing said, according to The Sun.

Meanwhile, the London-born star also claimed his working-class roots in Harold Hill will help him to form a bond with Newcastle supporters.

"It was just a council estate – a lot of crime and drugs and things like that on the streets. But you never forget where you are from, which is why I have got 'Harold Hill' tattooed on my arm," Shelvey shared.

"I am a home boy but you have to love the club you play for. And I want to assure the fans I will give 100% every week – I won't shirt a tackle, I will be giving it my all." The Newcastle star added: "I can't wait to show the fans what I can do."