Newcastle United have believed to have started the process to off-load Ki Sung-yueng this January.
The player's representatives are looking for clubs to facilitate a move to get the former Sunderland and Swansea City man off United's wage bill.
Ki is believed to be draining Newcastle of around £60,000 per week and has six months left of his existing deal.
One of Ki's former clubs Celtic are interested in taking the retired South Korea skipper on a permanent deal but the Glasgow giants have so far baulked at his wage demands.
United may take a knockdown fee for the midfielder after he was made surplus to requirements, but getting him off the payroll will open up incoming recruitment possibilities.
Toon boss Steve Bruce wants more options in midfield and sees Ki as a similar operator to Sean Longstaff and Jonjo Shelvey.
Ki's dad said at the end of last year: "He’s trying to find a new home in January next year, and the contract with Newcastle is through May.
"The key is whether the club will consider freeing them as a free agent."
Newcastle are also looking to move Henri Saivet and Jamie Sterry on this month but have so far found no takers.
