Newcastle United confirm Jack Colback signing

Newcastle United have confirmed that they have completed the signing of former Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback on a free transfer.

The 24-year-old, who was out of contract at the Stadium of Light, had also been linked with moves to West Ham United and Aston Villa this summer.

Colback told Newcastle's website: "I'm absolutely delighted. To come to the team I supported as a boy, my hometown team, will be really special for me.

"It was an opportunity I couldn't let slip. If you asked fans around the world the one thing they'd like to do before they die, it would be to play for the team they support and I've got the chance to do that.

"I've only got good things to say about Sunderland. They gave me my chance and I want to thank the fans and the club for all their support. I hope they can understand the chance I've had here to move to my boyhood club. Now I can't wait to pull on the black and white shirt at St James's Park for the first time."

Colback joined Sunderland's youth system in 1999, before moving into the senior side in 2008.