Shock news on Sunday night: Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey 'on the verge' of exit

It looks like Jonjo Shelvey is closing in on a surprise move away from St James' Park.

According to a Sunday night exclusive from The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, the midfielder is now 'on the verge' of joining Nottingham Forest.

Full details of the deal are not yet clear, but colleague John Percy - The Telegraph's man in the Midlands - reports that it looks set to be a permanent deal.

They report that the 30-year-old is keen on the move after realising he is now a back-up option to star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

He missed the start of the season after suffering a serious hamstring injury in a pre-season clash with Benfica and was recently ruled out with calf injury, summing up a frustrating spell for the former Swansea star.

However, it's believed he is now close to full fitness and eager to play regular football, with Forest identifying him as the perfect playmaker to keep them in the Premier League.

Big wages off the books, a good move for Jonjo and perhaps a clear sign that we have a midfielder of our own lined up?