Reports: Colback Looking For The Exit

Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback has reportedly turned down the chance to extend his current contract ,which runs out in 12 months, and it is believed that the club will listen to offers for the midfielder.

Chris Markham, a journalist for the Press Association, tweeted earlier:

Not my usual patch but SAFC midfielder Jack Colback looks set to leave. Turned down extension to contract (12 months left) for new challenge.

The news will be something of a blow to Di Canio, who has always rated the 23 year old highly, and who considered him an important part of his plans in taking the club forward. Colback's hard-work and versatility would certainly be a big miss to Sunderland, at a time where the team is lacking bodies in several positions. It will also be a shame to see an academy product leave a club he has been a part of since the age of 10.

It is perhaps the manner in which he has been used in Sunderland's team that is behind Colback wanting a new challenge. The ginger maestro found opportunities to play in the centre of midfield limited towards the end of last season, and was moved from position to position according to need, even playing a large part of the last campaign as an emergency left-back. It is possible that Colback wishes to forge a clear role for himself, something which may not be possible at Sunderland.