Newcastle United midfielder Jack Colback reportedly turned down three offers from Championship sides before the summer transfer window closed.
The Chronicle reports that the 27-year-old rebuffed the chance to join Wolves, Birmingham City and Hull City in the final days of the transfer window.
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is quoted in the report as stating that the midfielder is unlikely to feature for the first-team this season as he continues to train with the Under-23 squad.
Good move for Newcastle?
Jack Colback’s decision to remain at the club should be questioned after Benitez has made it clear that he is surplus to requirements at St James’ Park this season.
The report details that the Spaniard has reintroduced Henri Saivet, Jesus Gamez and Karl Darlow back into the first-team fold but it appears adamant that Colback will not be given a second chance.
The Magpies have managed to cope without the Englishman after picking up back-to-back Premier League victories with wins against West Ham United and Swansea City.
Colback is a player who can certainly provide vast experience at the top level, having made more than 170 appearances in the Premier League and Benitez could potentially call upon him if there a number of injuries in the latter stages of the campaign.
Newcastle might be disappointed that they were not able to offload Colback this summer but it could turn to be a blessing in disguise if they need reinforcements in the midfield much later down the line.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
If Colback continues to be left out of the first-team, he will surely reconsider his stance and look for a move away from Tyneside when the transfer window reopens in January.
Out of all the clubs mentioned in the report, Birmingham would be his best bet as they are currently struggling to find form in the Championship but the midfielder would have the chance to work under Harry Redknapp.
Summer signing Mikel Merino has impressed all the Newcastle supporters in the opening stages of the season and given that he plays in the same position as Colback, the midfielder will surely need to find a new club sooner rather than later.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10