Jack Colback is sure to be on Nottingham Forest’s wanted list this summer, after two successful loan spells at the City Ground.
Reds boss Martin O’Neill has spoken of his plans to discuss the future with the Newcastle United midfielder as he looks to put together a squad ready for a fresh assault on the Championship next season.
But could a proposed takeover of his parent club impact Forest’s chances of signing Colback?
Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is seemingly edging towards completing a deal for the Premier League Magpies, saying he has agreed terms with current owner Mike Ashley.
The Dubai-based billionaire, who is a cousin of Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour and a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, yesterday said in a statement, he is trying to “complete the transaction at the earliest opportunity”.
But time is of the essence, with Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez’s contract due to expire in only a matter of weeks.
At the moment, while takeover talk is ongoing, his future is seemingly up in the air – which in turn may have a knock-on effect on Colback’s situation.
The 29-year-old had been frozen out at St James’ Park under Benitez, having been sent to train with United’s Under-23s before he first joined the Reds on loan in January 2018.
And Colback said last month: “I don’t see my future at Newcastle.
“I’ve not played there for a good two years now. The manager there made it clear I wasn’t in his plans at that time, and that’s not going to change.”
But might that alter if Benitez’s position is not resolved?
The Newcastle Chronicle say with regards to the Spaniard: “Benitez is well aware of the latest (takeover) revelations but there have been no steers either way on who would be first-team boss so far.
“Getting the deal done is the main priority.
“But Benitez is well known enough in football to be the prime candidate and is a global brand himself so it could be a great match.”
They have also picked out Colback as one of 12 Magpies players waiting for Benitez’s situation to be sorted so their own futures become clearer.
On the former Sunderland man, the Chronicle said last week: “The 29-year-old midfielder has no future as long as Benitez is Newcastle manager, yet Colback still has 12 months remaining on his Magpies contract.
“Colback himself has stated that it is unlikely he will be given another opportunity at Newcastle, even if Benitez departs, however, and Nottingham Forest – where he has spent 18 months on loan – are interested in signing him permanently.”
Ex-Reds custodian Karl Darlow is also identified as one waiting for clarity, both on Benitez and his own future.
The report says: “Benitez has not been actively attempting to sell Darlow, though the 28-year-old goalkeeper was limited to just cup action during the 2018/19 campaign due to Martin Dubravka’s consistency between the sticks.
“But, with no new contract signed and just 12 months left on his deal, Newcastle may look to sell Darlow – while the shot-stopper himself may opt to leave in search of regular first-team football.”
The Chronicle have previously suggested it could cost Forest £1m to sign Colback, who has has been a regular in the Garibaldi during his time on the banks of the River Trent.
