Newcastle United are closing on a deal for Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback.
The Evening Chronicle says Toon are understood to have won the race to sign Sunderland star Colback.
It is believed that Colback is hoping to complete the switch officially on his return from holiday.
But the Geordie boy seems destined to remain in the North East after talks with Aston Villa, West Ham United and Sunderland boss Gus Poyet, who tried to persuade him to stay after his contract expired.
