Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has said midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is speaking to Nottingham Forest over a January move.
Former England international Shelvey, 30, has made just three Premier League appearances this season and his contract expires this summer.
Howe said, “I really want to keep Jonjo. I rate him very highly.”
But he added that it “would be very difficult to keep Jonjo 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 past seven years. He’s been a very important part of my team since I’ve been here. Unfortunately he’s had injuries this season.
“Certainly I wouldn’t want to lose him but, like Chris Wood, I have to understand the player’s wishes with his contract ending this summer.
“You can keep players who want to leave, but you have to take each situation independently and try to judge what is best for him and the club.”
Shelvey has made 202 appearances and scored 18 goals in all competitions since joining Newcastle from Swansea City in 2016.
Newcastle are third in the Premier League and hold a one-goal advantage over Southampton ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
