OPINION
Aston Villa could play a blinder by signing Newcastle United midfielder Jack Colback as he has proven himself to be a very useful player for Nottingham Forest this season.
The 29-year-old has been impressing while on loan for Forest in his 33 outings this season, however the midfielder admitted that he is open to leaving his parent club the Magpies in the summer as despite being in-form he’s unlikely to feature under Rafa Benitez.
“I have a year left on my contract at Newcastle… when I saw the reports that said I was out of contract, I had to check with my agent that I did have a year left,” Colback told the Nottingham Post.
“It is not as though I am looking at it and thinking that I will go back to Newcastle and try to get back in the team. I am realistic enough to know that, if the current manager is still there, I am not going to be playing.
“I am not sat here thinking that things might change if he goes – the way I am looking at it is to think that I haven’t played for the club for two years and it is unlikely that I will do again.
“We will see what happens in the summer.”
Colback also revealed after being probed that he’d would keen on a permanent move to Forest as he said: ““If you ask me if I would like to come back and sign permanently, the answer is yes,” yet the Villans should beat their Championship rivals to the punch.
The 29-year-old would be able to add a steely presence to Dean Smith’s midfield as he is a tough tackler who is always determined to win the midfield battle for his side.
Colback also has an eye for a pass and is able to set his side on the attack by picking out the right teammate to lead the charge forward.
Also given that the midfielder has excelled in the Championship this season and has plenty of Premier League experience in order to do well in the top-flight if called upon, he’d be a worthwhile addition to the Villans squad whether they end up winning promotion or not.
Then there’s the fact that after not utilising him for such a long time, Newcastle United will no doubt be willing to sell Colback for a reasonable price in order to seal his permanent exit.
This means that the 29-year-old could go for a bargain price considering his talents meaning the Villans could not only get a quality player but not break the bank in doing so.
When you consider all of this then it would be a masterstroke for the Villans to sign Colback in the summer when he is likely searching for a club to join.