Nottingham Forest are closing in on a move for Newcastle United midfielder Jack Colback, according to reports.

The Chronicle Live report that the 28-year-old is closing in on his widely expected move away from Tyneside, with Forest his preferred destination after a loan spell last season.

He moved to the City Ground in January and linked up well with Ben Watson in their midfield, with Aitor Karanka apparently eager to add him to their ranks permanently.

Karanka is quoted as saying; “I hope we can bring in a few more players, before we report back on the 25th. When we finished the season I said I would like to start pre-season with as many of the new players as possible.”

His wages, thought to be £40,000 a week, are a drain on Newcastle's resources and they need to move him on before they can start any recruitment of their own.

Former Sunderland man Colback controversially joined Newcastle in 2014, becoming the first player 16 years to swap red and white for black and white. That move turned sour and he openly blasted Rafa Benitez following his switch to Forest in January.

The Verdict

Jack Colback would be a great signing for Forest, but the terms must suit both parties which is probably why it hasn't been done sooner. It would seem that he'll be taking a pay cut to switch clubs, but if he remained at Newcastle he wouldn't be playing football. At 28, he knows he needs to be playing regularly at a club that want him, rather than rotting in the reserves.