Former loanee Jack Colback is the player Town boss Roy Keane is hoping to sign prior to Saturday’s home game against Coventry City. Keane spent the summer chasing the Sunderland midfielder, who had a successful spell at Portman Road last season.

The 20-year-old, who can also operate at full-back, made 33 starts and eight sub appearances for the Blues during 2009/10, scoring five goals. The former England U20 international made a huge impression during his time in Suffolk, winning the Players’ Player of the Year award and coming third in the Supporters’ Player of the Year voting.

Colback returned to Sunderland for the final game of last season, his Premier League debut against Wolves in which was sent off for two bookable offences. This year, having served his one-match ban, the Killingworth-born midfielder has been a regular on the Black Cats’ bench but only made it on to the field during the Carling Cup victory over Colchester.

Earlier today Keane revealed that he was closing in on another loan signing: “We’re in talks with a club and a player at the moment and we might have news on that tomorrow maybe, fingers crossed.

“We got the thumbs up [from the club] on Monday or Tuesday, I spoke to the player on Tuesday and I’ve been in touch with him again today.

“But the player’s got options, then there are agents and finance involved, so it’s the usual scenario, which I understand. We’re hopeful. He’s a good player.”

Back in May, Keane made it clear that he would be interested in Colback returning to Portman Road if he became available: “I’d take Jack back, of course. He’s been voted the Player of the Year by the players and that tells you how highly we all think of him.

“The boy’s still a kid but if there was a chance of Jack coming back here next season, Brucey knows where I stand on that — we’d take him here with open arms.”

Photo: ITFC

Photo: Action Images

Martus added 13:44 - Oct 15 Good player, very much needed, are 3 starters in Norris, Leadbitter and Hyam are not creative enough and are seen as the "muscle" in the side. Dont get me wrong this is needed and helps the defence alot and is a main factor in us not conceding goals, but in all the home matches this season i have not seen many chances come through the centre, it all seems to come from a large kick up field and out wide, this could be a problem for Hyam as i think he has done very well and could push him out of the side, but we need someone creative liike Livermoor to create chances.

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ChambersM added 14:21 - Oct 15 True martus hence we need to start livermoore with either Norris or leadbitter. And wow people talking about colback playing right back, please check for brain damage, no offence. I'd rather have drissa dialo back in that position, colback cannot play there.
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BlooooCD added 15:32 - Oct 15 Great player - makes a great addition to an lready decent squad... Agree with some others though... The forward s situation looks sligtly perilous - But hey ho! pleased with it all so far!!! 3-1 win tomorrow £20 @ 11/1! COYB's!!!!
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O2BITFC added 16:55 - Oct 15 Just got a text from ITFC saying Colback confirmed back on loan till January
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