Newcastle United are said to be willing to offload midfielder Jack Colback to Nottingham Forest this summer.
The 29-year-old has been one of the Reds’ most consistent performers this term, playing an integral role in their push for the play-offs.
It is Colback’s second spell on the banks of the River Trent, having spent the second half of last term at the City Ground before then joining on a season-long loan.
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He has made 34 appearances during the current campaign, scoring three goals, including a brace in the New Year’s Day thumping of Leeds United.
Boss Martin O’Neill has said he would be keen to bring Colback back to Forest, and the player himself has stated he would be open to the move, while at the same time admitting it may not be that simple.
The former Sunderland man has a year left to run on his contract with the Magpies, but wages could be a factor in any potential permanent move south.
The Newcastle Chronicle reports United are prepared to let Colback leave for the Reds, and claim he earns around £50,000 a week.
Meanwhile, the People adds Forest are likely to find that hefty sum off-putting.
Of the possibility of signing for O’Neill’s side at the end of the season, the midfielder said earlier this month: “If you ask me if I would like to come back and sign permanently, the answer is ‘yes’.
“It is not as easy as that in football. Forest themselves have to commit to a permanent deal. Then you have to work out that deal.
“It is not as straightforward as a ‘yes’ or ‘no’.”
O’Neill has said: “I think that I would, along with the fans, think exactly that – it would be great to see him stay, if we can muster something.”
