Newcastle United in talks over shock late transfer

Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is reportedly closing in on a move to Nottingham Forest ahead of Tuesday night’s transfer deadline.

Transfer activity at St James Park has ramped up over the last 48 hours after Everton star Anthony Gordon completed a move to Tyneside on Sunday afternoon just hours after the Magpies had an offer accepted for West Ham United right-back Harrison Ashby.

There has been interest in several of United’s current squad with Karl Darlow set to join Hull City on loan for the remainder of the season following Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Southampton. Ryan Fraser is also said to be attracting interest after the likes of Everton and Southampton were said to be keen to sign the former Bournemouth star ahead of the deadline.

However, it is long-serving midfielder Shelvey that is closest to the exit door after The Telegraph reported the 30-year-old was in talks with Forest and is keen to make the move to the City Ground as he nears a return to fitness.

Shelvey joined Newcastle in January 2016 and has made over 200 appearances during his seven-year stay on Tyneside but is out of contract at the end of the season. He was linked with a move to Turkish club Besiktas over the last week - but the speculation caused surprise for Magpies boss Eddie Howe.

When asked about possible interest in Shelvey, he said: “I’ve been surprised at all the speculation (about Shelvey). I’ve got no idea where that has come from. It’s certainly not come from us. Jonjo is a very valued member of the squad.”

However, Shelvey’s time at St James Park could come to an end in the next 48 hours if the Magpies are able to complete a loan move for a midfielder. The report has stated United have made ‘a series of checks’ with clubs in the Premier League and abroad as they look to secure a temporary move for a replacement for the former Liverpool star.