Newcastle United could be set to sell Jack Colback to Nottingham Forest by the end of this month as the Championship club eye a permanent move for the midfielder, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper claims that a deal could be finalised within weeks time as Rafa Benitez assesses his squad options.
Colback, who is understood to earn £40,000-a-week at St James’ Park, joined the Magpies from bitter rivals Sunderland back in 2014, but in recent seasons has found himself lower and lower down the pecking order.
The midfielder spent the last half of last season on loan at Forest, and the Championship club now wants to make the deal permanent.
Good move for Newcastle?
Yes.
Although it is unlikely that Colback will attract a large transfer fee, the money raised and space made on the wage bill will go a long way for the club.
Colback was not consistent enough given his chances in recent seasons, and Benitez preferred other options in the midfield such as Jonjo Shelvey.
The 28-year-old is not part of Benitez’s plans at St James Park, so the best thing to do is sell.
This Is Futbol rating – 10/10.
Likely to happen?
Definitely.
This one is only a matter of time before the deal gets finalised, Forest are keen on making the move permanent, and are already comfortable with Colback.
The Chronicle report that the deal could be done is as little as one week, which will then given Benitez the space to operate to bring someone in.
Colback himself is not a fan of the Newcastle manager, publicly stating his distaste to Benitez.
This Is Futbol rating – 10/10.