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Newcastle United are understood to have won the race to sign Sunderland star Jack 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.

Colback is a boyhood Newcastle fan, but slipped through the net for United after joining Sunderland at the age of 10.

However aged 24, Newcastle look to have won his services on a free transfer while he has his best years in front of him.

Sources close to Colback say that he was eager to make the right move at this stage of his career, and it is believed to have been offered a £10m package by West Ham.

But the Chronicle understands that Colback is now poised to play for the club he supported as a kid.

He may not have been a popular figure when he netted in Sunderland’s 3-0 win over Newcastle last season, but ex-Toon stars such as Barry Venison and Paul Bracewell have proved in the past that at St James’ Park players are judged by contributions on the field by fans.

Colback is now likely to bolster Alan Pardew’s squad with further signings expected.

The transfer window officially opens on July 1 for business, but some deals can be announced in June, just as those for Yohan Cabaye and Sylvain Marveaux were in 2011.

Colback had already spoken about being a Geordie playing for Sunderland when he said: “Obviously parts of my family support Newcastle, but they certainly weren’t going to tell me not to sign for Sunderland. It was an opportunity I had to take.

“It was a massive chance for me.”

But speaking earlier this year, the Killingworth lad said: “As players it’s your job, isn’t it, it doesn’t matter where you’re from, it’s your job to go out on the pitch and play as well as you can for whoever you play for and that’s what I do.”

Meanwhile, United are confident of completing the signing of Tenerife striker Ayoze Perez – while Montpellier star Remy Cabella is also keen on the move to Tyneside.

Newcastle have a“never-say-never” attitude on deals after seeing some transfers collapse in recent times, but they do hope to push on with Perez.

The Chronicle understands that Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley has pushed hard to see the deal through for the 20-year-old, and the transfer is all but done.

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