In a recent survey carried out by the Chronicle 9.62% of supporters voted Jack Colback fourth on the list of players they'd like to see the club sign this summer. Unexpectedly the 24-year-old was ranked below the exciting talents of Remy Cabella, Clement Grenier and Wilfried Zaha, illustrating our yearning for an injection of creativity to a ponderous attack that has flatlined since the loss of Yohan Cabaye. Yet, from that triumvirate of attacking splendour, it is Colback who is most likely to end up at St James' Park next season. His appeal to the Magpies is that he will be a free agent this summer when his contract at Sunderland expires. Colback has even postponed making a decision on his Wearside future until after he returns from his honeymoon next month with several Premier League clubs keen to secure his signature. Our interest in the Killingworth-born midfielder has brought to light the difficulties he could encounter when moving between the Tyne-Wear divide in the modern era and becoming the first outfield player to swap Sunderland for Newcastle in 17 years by following in the footsteps Lee Clark. A situation worsened by Colback's goal and subsequent celebration in February's derby victory for the Black Cats at St James' Park. Not something we would ever take issue with but one many Toon fans consider a Judas kiss from a player who grew up wearing a black and white shirt. But should that dissuade the Club from signing a player of Colback's discernible pedigree? Not by our reckoning. Looking at him from a standalone perspective he would be a tangible improvement on the recently departed Dan Gosling and the veritable array of mediocrity that currently exists on the fringes of Alan Pardew's squad. A diligent and often underrated passer with an outstanding work ethic, the fact Colback has brought a new attacking dimension to his game only serves to make him the unequivocal bargain signing of the summer. Now over to you. Should Newcastle sign Jack Colback?
