Newcastle sanction surprise sale as star gets permission to follow Chris Wood to Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest are close to completing a second signing from Newcastle United of the January transfer window, according to reports.

Earlier this month, Forest took Chris Wood from Newcastle on loan with a potential obligation to buy. It continued their aggressive approach to transfers since their return to the Premier League.

Now, reports are revealing that Forest are still shopping in the same market. Indeed, they are closing in on another Newcastle man to cap off their January activity.

According to the Daily Telegraph, whose reveal has been followed up by some other outlets too, Forest are “on the verge” of signing Jonjo Shelvey from Newcastle.

The report deems Newcastle’s stance regarding the midfielder as a surprising one. But they have granted Shelvey permission to speak with Forest and travel to Nottingham for a medical, which will likely take place on Monday.

The transfer fee Newcastle will receive could be minimal. After all, Shelvey is into the final six months of his contract with the club he joined in January 2016.

But his departure will help reduce their wage bill, while Forest will actually offer him a package worth more than he currently earns. Shelvey is in line to take home more than £70,000 per week.

According to the report, he has been “very keen” on the idea of taking on a “new challenge” at the City Ground. His contract there should last for two-and-a-half years.

Newcastle might not replace Jonjo Shelvey yet

In turn, Newcastle will consider whether they can bring in a replacement for their midfield. Although injuries have limited Shelvey’s involvement this season, it will be important for them to replace the depth he has offered.

However, it is questionable that they will have enough time before the January 31 deadline. Besides, some of the players they admire – like Chelsea pair Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek – might not be available until the end of the season anyway.

Newcastle will have to keep relying on the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson in their midfield until they can reinvest.

They will hope the options that remain available can keep them on course for European qualification.

Forest, meanwhile, will want Shelvey to help keep them clear of the relegation zone. The 30-year-old’s experience could certainly be beneficial.

Steve Cooper can already utilise the likes of Remo Freuler, Cheikhou Kouyate, Ryan Yates and Lewis O’Brien in Forest’s engine room. Ex-Newcastle man Jack Colback is a lesser-used member of their squad, while they have also recently brought in Brazilian prospect Danilo.

But Shelvey should be useful if he can get back to full fitness, as he is expected to soon.

If this is the end of his Newcastle career, he will be leaving with 202 appearances for the club – including five this season – behind him. They are the club he has represented most in his career, but soon he could have new employers.

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