Jack Colback to return to Sunderland?

Newcastle United have reportedly offered Sunderland the chance to re-sign Jack Colback.

Colback came through the youth system at Sunderland before going on to make 135 first-team appearances for the club between 2008 and 2014.

The midfielder was controversially sold to Newcastle in the summer of 2014, and he is just six appearances short of 100 for the Magpies.

Colback has not made a single appearance for Newcastle this season, however, and it is understood that he will leave Rafael Benitez's side during the January transfer window.

According to the Sunderland Echo, Newcastle have offered their bitter rivals Sunderland the chance to re-sign the 28-year-old, although his wages, which are in excess of £40,000 a week, could prove problematic for the Black Cats.

Leeds United, Derby County, Bristol City, Reading, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Hull City are all said to be closely monitoring developments ahead of the winter window.