Report: Jack Colback reluctant to leave Newcastle despite Nottingham Forest interest

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Championship side Nottingham Forest would allegedly be keen to sign Jack Colback again, but Newcastle United reportedly face a challenge getting rid.

One year after Rafa Benitez told Jack Colback that he was no longer part of his plans at Newcastle United, the out-of-favour midfielder remains at St James’ Park.

Colback refused to leave last summer as he was not interested by any of the offers on the table, from clubs such as Hull City. And the 28-year-old was therefore banished to the reserves until January, when Nottingham Forest signed him on loan to offer an escape from his Tyneside purgatory.

But if Newcastle were hoping that Forest would finally take the former Sunderland midfielder off their books for good, they could be disappointed.

The Chronicle is claiming that Colback is reluctant to leave St James’ Park with a year remaining on his current contract. And Championship sides such as Forest, who are keen to sign him again, are unlikely to match the £40,000-a-week wage he is currently getting on Tyneside.

It is understood that Newcastle are desperate to sell Colback permanently but may be forced to resort to another short-term loan before letting him leave on a free transfer in a year.

More frustration could be on its way for Benitez, then, who has reportedly identified Colback as one of the players he wants to sell to raise money for new additions.

Colback was very impressive during his five months at Forest last season. But, unless he accepts a substantial wage cut, a permanent move to the City Ground looks very unlikely.