Rumour: Ex-Sunderland midfielder Colback could be set for Newcastle

Jack Colback

Newcastle United could be set to make their first permanent signing in 18 months as Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback nears a switch on a free transfer.

The Guardian report that the midfielder, who is a Newcastle fan, has turned down an offer from West Ham worth £50,000 in order to join the Magpies.

The report also says that Aston Villa were also interested in Colback and that Sunderland had offered him a new deal.

However the deal made Colback feel undervalued and although a new offer has been made it still falls short of what is being offered by Newcastle.

Colback is a versatile player who has often been used at left-back however his preference has always been to play in the centre of midfield.

This season he has flourished under Gus Poyet and he has benefitted from being played in a more attacking role by the Uruguayan.

The deal could be completed when Colback returns from his honeymoon next week and will start the rebuilding process at Newcastle after a shambolic past twelve months in the transfer market.

Newcastle have failed to make a permanent signing in the past 18 months and the club is now looking to make multiple signings this summer.

Sunderland failed to a win a game where Jack Colback didn’t play