Turn back the clock a few months and it appeared that Jack Colback had no future at Newcastle United.
After spending almost two seasons on loan at Nottingham Forest , former manager Rafa Benitez had made it clear that the former Sunderland midfielder was not part of his plans.
However, with Benitez leaving St James’ Park to become manager of Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Yifang, could Colback now have a future on Tyneside?
Sheffield Wednesday boss Steve Bruce has been widely tipped to succeed Benitez, with reports suggesting that the former Aston Villa manager has resigned from his post at Hillsborough.
Bruce awarded Colback his Sunderland debut in May 2010 during a 2-1 defeat to Wolves - he was 20-years-old.
Forest were keen to see Colback return to the City Ground after his performances in the Garibaldi last season, with his previous loan deal having an option for the move to be made permanent at the end of the campaign, though a deal wasn't done.
Colback is part of the 27-man squad that has flown out to China as they take part in the Premier League Asia Trophy.
The Magpies will take on Wolverhampton Wanderers and one of either Manchester City or West Ham while out in the Far East.
Colback has been pictured among the travelling Newcastle players flying out to China, and at their first training sessions in Nanjing.
He currently has one year remaining on his contract at Newcastle.
Whether his future remains at Newcastle, Forest or elsewhere remains to be seen and will be discussed after the Magpies’ new manager is confirmed.
