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Jack Colback is edging closer to an exit from Newcastle United according to manager Rafa Benitez, who hopes he’ll soon leave the club.

The experienced midfielder is out of favour on Tyneside having been frozen out by the Spanish boss and spent the second half of last season on loan at Nottingham Forest.

Reds manager Aitor Karanka remains keen to bring the United man back to the City Ground ahead of the new season, and talks between the parties are continuing with Benitez hopeful a deal can be struck with Forest.

Colback hasn’t been with the Toon squad at their training camp in Ireland, nor has he featured for the Under-23s, as he had done at times before his move to Nottingham.

Speaking to the Newcastle Chronicle in Ireland, Benitez confirmed Colback was in discussions with the Reds and believed a deal to see him leave wasn't too far away.

“The other players, they know because I told them I wanted to keep a smaller squad with players who will be part of the future. The others know they have to find a solution,” he said.

“It’s the same situation [with Colback]. He’s already talking with a club and then I think he will find a solution.”

(Image: Dan Westwell)

In his fruitful spell at the City Ground, Colback made 16 appearances, scoring once – a fine effort which came on the final day of the campaign at Bolton.

It’s believed that the former Sunderland man, who has a year still to run on his St James’ Park deal, is earning around £40,000 – something that had previously been expected to prove something of a stumbling block.

United's preference would be to see Colback leave Tyneside permanently, though given his contract situation at the club, a season-long loan deal may yet secure his exit.