Newcastle Talisman's Future Completely Up In The Air Amid Transfer Speculation

Fabricio Coloccini's future at Newcastle United is looking increasingly uncertain after he was left out of the Magpies' matchday squad for the friendly match with Sheffield United - meaning he is yet to play at all in pre-season. The Magpies captain has been linked with possible reunion with former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace in recent weeks, and The Chronicle claims his future is now completely up in the air. For the fifth pre-season match in a row - Newcastle's 2-2 draw with Sheff Utd at Bramall Lane in Chris Morgan's testimonial - Coloccini, who has just a solitary season left on his Magpies' contract, failed to make an appearance for Steve McClaren's men on Sunday due to injury. https://twitter.com/raineydave/status/625320510319165441 The Chronicle claims Newcastle are willing to listen to offers for their club captain, who was supposedly pictured in Jesmond enjoying some food and drink with a friend while the rest of the Magpies squad toiled in south Yorkshire. However, McClaren claims he wants to keep his 33-year-old centre-back beyond the beginning of the season. Speaking to Sky Sports after the Sheffield Utd game, McClaren said:

"We've had no official approach. Colo's been working with us on and off, nursing his Achilles at the moment and getting through some work as well. "He's been a first-class professional. (Since) I came through the front door and he's the captain and like everybody else we want to see him on the field and playing for this team."

When asked if McClaren thought Coloccini would be a Newcastle player come the start of the season, the Magpies boss responded (Sky Sports):

"I don't see why not."

Coloccini arrived on Tyneside in a £10.3 million deal from Deportivo La Coruna back in August 2008 and he has made 248 appearances for the Magpies since, scoring six times. He helped the club back to the Premier League at the first attempt following relegation to the Championship in 2009, and was also a key member of the Magpies side who finished fifth under Pardew in 2011-12. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.