Sunderland not ready to give up on Colback The homegrown midfielder has just entered the final year of his current deal and has so far resisted the Black Cats’ attempts to secure his signature on a new long-term contract Sunderland are expected to make an improved contract offer to Jack Colback in a bid to keep him on Wearside. The homegrown midfielder has just entered the final year of his current deal and has so far resisted the Black Cats’ attempts to secure his signature on a new long-term contract. That has alerted newly-promoted sides Hull City – managed by former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce – and Cardiff City, who are understood to be monitoring Colback’s situation. But Sunderland want to keep the versatile 23-year-old, and are set to continue negotiations with the Academy product, who has developed into an accomplished Premier League player. New head coach Di Canio has already had two conversations with Colback in which he has assured the Academy product that he is a part of his plans. But as yet he has been unable to convince Colback to put pen to paper. The uncertainty over Colback’s future cannot carry on indefinitely and at some stage Sunderland will need to know whether they are fighting a losing battle. Because if Colback has no intention of re-signing, Sunderland would rather sell him now than see him leave for nothing on a Bosman next summer. But for now Di Canio is hoping Colback has a change of heart. “I’ve already spoken to him twice and he’s done very well,” said Di Canio. “He’s a genuine guy with a fantastic attitude. “Also, he’s got quality too. “He has to make clear what he wants to do in the future because if one player has it in his brain to leave, it is difficult. “But he’s got to keep going and keep behaving like he is. “He doesn’t look like he’s having any difficulties. He’s one of the most positive young players we’ve got. “I’m very happy with him.” Colback’s preferred position is central midfield, but his ability to operate at left-back makes him an invaluable asset as the Black Cats struggle to sign a specialist for what has become a problem position. Sunderland are desperate to recruit a left-back before the season starts, but have already seen moves for Frenchman Benjamin Mendy and Argentine Lucas Orban fall through. The Wearsiders are also on the look-out for a right-back following the collapse of Gino Peruzzi’s proposed move due to a failed medical. Yet the president of Peruzzi’s club Velez Sarsfield, Miguel Calellon, has not given up hope of resurrecting the deal. “We have been talking to the people at the English club, and during Wednesday (yesterday) were going to have a further meeting with the coaching staff,” he said. “There are going to take a final decision to see if there is any change with respect to what they had said to us.” But there is no sign that Sunderland will change their mind over a player who is at least a month away from full fitness.
Posted on: Thu, 01 Aug 2013 10:57:51 +0000