Newcastle United are battling West Ham United and Aston Villa for Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback.
Colback comes off contract next month.
The Evening Chronicle says Aston Villa and West Ham have both stepped up their efforts to sign the Sunderland midfielder in the last few days.
The Geordie boy's contract runs out on June 30 and, having held talks with United, Sunderland, the Hammers and Villa, he could yet opt for a complete fresh start away the North East.
