Nottingham Forest have made a step up in their pursuit to sign Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper reports on their live blog [11 July, 6.01pm] that Forest have enhanced their efforts to acquire the services of the 28-year-old, who boss Aitor Karanka wants to sign on a permanent basis after he spent the second half of last season on loan at the City Ground.
Karanka is said to be aiming to use the relationship he has formed with Colback during his time at the club to his advantage, and is hoping to use this to convince him to join forces once again.
OPINION
Aitor Karanka appears to be very serious about the club’s transfer business if he is trying to snap up Colback to join his other summer signings. It is most definitely a step in the right direction for the club, who looked destined for the drop this season following their dismal 17th place in the previous campaign. Karanka knows what Colback is capable of having seen him star for the club already, and putting the relationship he formed with him to good use is a smart tactic by the Spaniard. Even though Colback could not help Forest finish higher up the table, he would be a sensible signing for the club, who need stability in their midfield. Colback is just the player to do that, and Nottingham Forest seems to be his most likely destination given he has already experienced what the club is all about. Karanka is proving to be the key factor in providing Forest with the talent they have been crying out for – and potentially signing Colback has only reinforced that.