Jack Colback signs for Newcastle United

Newcastle United have finalized two permanent signings in less than a week, one being youngster Ayoze Perez and the other being senior team member and ex-Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback. Colback's contract with the Mackems had expired and talks were put off while the team were in a relegation fight, but after they survived relegation Colback decided to field other offers.

CONCLUSIVE: Colback at SJP today #NUFC (kblack9 - instagram) pic.twitter.com/5ZYW5XFZfJ

— NUFCfans.co.uk (@nufcfans) June 9, 2014

It's not the first time a Sunderland player has made the switch to Newcastle and vice-versa, but if Colback plays with the same effort and determination he did that made him an annoying midfielder during the team's derbys the past few seasons, he should settle in with Newcastle fans just fine, despite the pictures of him floating around hushing the Toon crowd and holding up a "0-3" with his hands.

It's likely Colback is viewed as a replacement and upgrade for Dan Gosling, who's leaving the club this summer. Colback can play in the central midfield, as a holding midfielder and at left back if necessary. I wouldn't necessarily expect him to start, but he's still only 24-years-old and could possibly grow into a starting role or as a primary substitute off the bench.

Being that it's a free signing, I think it's a solid one that at worst bolsters Newcastle's depth, which has been lacking.