The former Black Cats midfielder has been banished from Rafa Benitez’s first-team squad and is free to leave next month.

According to the Sunderland Echo, Colback fancies a return to the Stadium of Light. 

He has 18 months left on his current contract, worth around £40,000-per-week. 

Sunderland, who have limited room for manoeuvre in the transfer budget, would struggle to afford Colback.

Chris Coleman would likely be limited to a loan move if he decides to pursue a deal for the 28-year-old.

Colback came through the ranks at Sunderland and made 135 appearances for the club before controversially joining Newcastle on a free transfer in 2014.

He grew up supporting the Magpies and admitted his move would anger Black Cats supporters.

"The majority of Sunderland fans will hate me for the rest of my life," he said.

"I thank them for their support when I was there, and Sunderland for the chance to play in the Premier League."

Colback has not played for Newcastle this season and Benitez confirmed last month that his exile is permanent. 

He said: "He knows what the situation is and we will continue working with the players we have available now.

"He knew from the beginning that we have four or five midfielders and I didn't want to have six.

"We could not manage to move any more players out at the end of the transfer window and you can't train as well with as many players around in the same position. I did not want that."

According to the Sunderland Echo, six clubs are interested in Colback.

Leeds and Birmingham were linked with a move for his signature earlier this month.