Newcastle 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.
Newcastle manager Eddie 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.
With Shelvey likely to be joining, Forest boss Steve Cooper will let midfielder Lewis O'Brien leave on loan for the rest of the season.