Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is speaking to Nottingham Forest over a January move.
Former England international Shelvey, 30, has made only three Premier League appearances this season and his contract expires in the summer.
Howe said: "I definitely want to keep Jonjo. I rate him very highly."
But he added that it "would be very difficult to keep Jonjo, with where he wants his career to go".
Newcastle striker Chris Wood joined Forest on loan this month.
Howe said: "Jonjo has been a huge player for this football club over the last seven years.