Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has admitted he could never follow in the footsteps of Jack Colback and play for North-East rivals Newcastle United, reports the Express.

Sunderland and Newcastle have suffered contrasting fortunes this season, with the Black Cats dropping out of the Premier League, and Rafa Benitez putting last year’s relegation heartache behind the Magpies, by leading them to promotion.

Pickford has been in impressive form for Sunderland this season, despite the club falling into the Sky Bet Championship.

Premier League clubs are expected to show interest in Pickford, who has earned call-ups to the England squad this season, in the upcoming transfer window.

However, Pickford has ruled out linking up with former Sunderland midfielder, Jack Colback, at St James’ Park, he said: "Jack's playing on the other side of the water these days unfortunately. I would never do that. I couldn't do it myself. I would never go to Newcastle.

"(Leaving Sunderland) is not something I've looked at yet and it's not something I want to look at either."

Next year will be the first season Sunderland have competed in the second-tier since the 2006/7 campaign.

Newcastle fans… Would you have liked to see Pickford at St James’ Park? Let us know in the comments!