With increased competition in the middle of Newcastle United’s midfield, Jack Colback is reportedly set to miss out on a place in Rafa Benitez’s squad.
The former Sunderland man was a key figure in the Magpies’ Championship promotion campaign last season, playing 29 times, but it now looks as though his career on Tyneside is coming to an end.
Mikel Merino has been signed, seemingly as a direct replacement, and the constraints of a smaller top-flight squad mean that there could be no room for Colback.
Colback was initially a popular figure at St James’ Park as he opted to leave rivals Sunderland for his boyhood club, with a fine first season rewarded with an England call-up.
However, the midfielder has stagnated badly since then and found himself behind Isaac Hayden in the pecking order towards the end of the last campaign.
And while Colback was involved in Newcastle’s first team squad at the start of pre-season, he was left on the bench for last week’s victory at Wolsburg and then failed to make the squad for a home friendly against Hellas Verona.
The report adds that Colback has been available for sale this summer, although his wages could prevent any deal from being done with another club.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
