Newcastle midfielder Henri Saivet is in talks over a loan move to Montpellier with a view to making the deal permanent for £4million.
Saivet, 27, spent last season on loan in France at Saint-Etienne but has been part of Rafa Benitez's squad this season, albeit only appearing occasionally.
Montpellier are now trying to negotiate a move that would see him spend the second half of the season with them before a longer, permanent stint.
Newcastle splashed £5.