Colback binned by Mags six years after crossing Wear-Tyne divide

ControversialformerSunderland midfielder Jack Colback has been released by Newcastle United, six years after he crossed the Wear-Tyne divide.

The Magpies announced that Colback was one of SIX players to be released when their deals come to an end of June 30.

Rob Elliot, Jamie Sterry, Luke Charman, Victor Fernandez, Liam Gibson and ex-Sunderland trialist Nathan Harker have also been told their futures lie elsewhere.

Colback controversially switched from the Stadium of Light to St James’s Park in the summer of 2014 on a free transfer, but has been out of the first-team picture since the Magpies were promoted back to the Premier League in 2017.

Of the departures, former Black Cats boss Steve Bruce said: “Many of the players leaving us have been with the club for a long time and, both personally and on behalf of the club, I'd like to thank them.

"I'm sure supporters will join me in appreciating their efforts over the years and we wish them the very best with the next steps in their careers."

Newcastle United have, however, extended the contracts of former Sunderland defender Javier Manquillo and ex-England and Liverpool front man Andy Carroll.

Geordie Carroll has penned a one-year extension, while the Spaniard has extended his stay by four years, rejecting overtures from the likes of West Ham and Crystal Palace.

"I'm really pleased that we have been able to put these extensions in place and I'd like to thank the players for committing themselves to the club with some very important games left to play,” said Bruce.

"We have been proactive in trying to reach these agreements and they will give us the best chance of finishing the season as strongly as possible.

"I'm delighted Javier Manquillo and Andy Carroll

have extended their contracts longer term.

"They have both made important contributions this season and I'm really pleased we can continue to call on them beyond the summer."

Valentino Lazaro, Nabil Bentaleb, Danny Rose and Matty Longstaff have also agreed to stay with the magpies until the end of the season.