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Leeds United scouts watch Newcastle United second-string in action: Colback the target?

Jack Colback in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest at St James' Park on December 30, 2016...
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Leeds sent scouts to watch Newcastle’s under-23s in action earlier this week.

Jack Colback in action  during the Sky Bet Championship match between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest at St James' Park on December 30, 2016 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.Jack Colback in action

It seems Leeds United are already preparing to make some transfer moves in January and this week the scouts have reportedly been out in force.

According to a report in the Newcastle Chronicle the West Yorkshire side had scouts present as the Newcastle United second string took on Reading. The Premier League side’s under-23s won the game 4-1 but looking at their team-sheet there is a number of players Leeds might have been looking at.

Pablo Hernandez of Leeds United celebrates with Vurnon Anita of Leeds United after scores his sides first goal during the Caraboa Cup Fourth Round match between Leicester City and Leeds...Pablo Hernandez of Leeds United celebrates with Vurnon Anita of Leeds United

The Whites, who already plucked Vurnon Anita from St James Park in the summer, will be unlikely to be looking into bringing in academy players to the first-team. However, they might have been taking a keen interest in some of the senior players currently out of favour or returning from injury for the Magpies.

Two players that immediately spring to mind are Jack Colback and Henri Saivet. Both are currently out of the picture under Rafa Benitez, although Saivet has been struggling with injury.

Newcastle Henri Saivet during the pre season friendly between Hearts and Newcastle on July 14, 2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland.Henri Saivet

The most likely target would be utility man Colback. He would be a welcome addition to the Leeds side and, whilst not exactly local it is a reasonable close distance for the player, with the Chronicle report suggesting he is not willing to move away from the area.

With left-back Massadio Haidara and right-back Jamie Sterry also present and former Barcelona prospect Victor Fernandez impressing on the left-wing it is a guessing game regarding the player Leeds might be keen on.

Hopefully whoever it is can help them recover their best form after their dramatic recent dip.