Championship playoff chasers Aston Villa are interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Jack Colback, according to a report by the Chronicle, via HITC.

The versatile midfield ace has been told by Magpies manager Rafa Benitez that he is free to leave, and with Leeds United interested in signing the former Sunderland man, Steve Bruce and Aston Villa now appear to be in that race too.

Colback has struggled for game time since Newcastle were promoted and under Benitez overall, and a move to the Championship could well appeal to the little midfield ace, who will be keen to get his career back on track.

Newcastle snapped up Colback from bitter rivals Sunderland in what wa sa surprising move back 2014, but his three and a half year stay with the Toon appears to be coming to an end.

Villa are keen on bringing in new faces but manager Steve Bruce has already acknowledged on numerous occasions that he will be working to tight budget constraints. Colback's transfer fee may well be feasible for Villa, but the midfielder commands wages of £40k a week, something which could well prove a stumbling block.

Leeds United remain interested in Colback too, with manager Thomas Christiansen a known admirer of the 28-year-old.

Villa fans, what do you think? Good signing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!