Liverpool have made an enquiry for the Southampton defender Jonjo, who is under contract until 2021.
The Saints are in the market for a defender after losing the services of Luke Shaw, the club’s top scorer in the Premier League, and Steven Gerrard, their captain.
Liverpool have identified Shelvey as a target and the 25-year-old wants to leave Southampton, with the Premier Leagues club willing to sell for £8m.
Southampton have been linked with Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson and the striker is understood to have agreed personal terms with the club.
However, Shelvey’s future at St Mary’s remains unclear.
The Scotland international is currently sidelined with a thigh problem.