Newcastle are close to agreeing a deal for Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, sources have confirmed to ESPN FC.
Steve McClaren's club have been lining up a move for Shelvey during this month's transfer window to bolster their squad and have now firmed up their interest by making an approach for the England international.
Newcastle are willing to pay £10 million for the 23-year old, Press Association reported.
Shelvey has fallen out of favour at Swansea in recent weeks losing his place under first Garry Monk and now under new boss Alan Curtis.
The former Liverpool man returned for the FA Cup defeat to Oxford on Sunday before becoming embroiled in more controversey by appearing to be involved with an angry confrontation with a fan.
Newcastle boss McClaren is a big admirer of Shelvey and sees him as someone who can play a key role in helping his side in their battle to avoid relegation.
Curtis, meanwhile, admitted on Monday that Swansea would consider selling Shelvey this month, though he said he is unaware of any firm offer being tabled.
"I know there's been inquiries for Jonjo, but I don't think there's been any firm offers for him," Curtis said. "If a firm offer comes in for him then it's something the club would probably consider.
"If Jonjo is right mentally and he's focused on the job then he is a terrific asset for us. If he's not, then it's different.
"I still think he's got a part to play, if his mind is right then he can still play a huge part between now and the end of the season. But we need a Jonjo that has got the right mindset.
"I think he's frustrated with his own performances as much as we are as coaches, and I'm sure supporters as well."
Asked whether the sale of Shelvey could release transfer funds for a striker, Curtis replied: "That might be one of the reasons something is done with Jonjo.
"If it allows us to bring someone else in that might be the case. If we need to bring someone else in on the back of Jonjo then that is an avenue we might go down.
"I might have a little bit of a say in [response to a Shelvey offer] but it would be something for the powers to be to weigh up.
"But if Jonjo's mind is right and he wants to stay then I would gladly welcome his decision to stay with us until the end of the season, absolutely."
Only bottom club Aston Villa have managed fewer than Swansea's 17 Premier League goals and Curtis is determined to sign a new striker with the the Welsh club two points above the Premier League relegation zone.
That could put question marks against the future of French striker Bafetimbi Gomis, who has also been on the fringes since Curtis took over.
"If strikers come in Bafe might look to his future," Curtis said. "But, like Jonjo, he's hopefully got a big part to play for us.
"If somebody comes in with a concrete offer and the club feels it would like to accept it, then players move on.
"That's the nature of the game today."
Should Newcastle land Shelvey he will become their second signing of the January transfer window after the arrival of Henri Saivet from Bordeaux.
Information from Press Association was used in this report.