Newcastle transfer news: Toon boss Steve McClaren waiting on Fabricio Coloccini's fitness before deciding his future

Toon boss rubbishes any suggestion Coloccini is soon to leave

(Getty)

Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has refused to be drawn on Fabricio Coloccini's future with just over a week to go until the start of the new Premier League campaign.

The former FC Twente and Derby County boss is waiting to see how Coloccini recovers from an Achilles injury with Crystal Palace waiting to pounce should they elect to sell.

Alan Pardew was close allies with the 33-year-old during his four-year spell at St James' Park and is keen for the pair to be reunited in the capital.

Olympiacos have also expressed an interest in the Argentine this summer but McClaren has no intention of doing business until Coloccini has been given the opportunity to prove his worth.

"I've heard speculation [about a move to Palace] but I've come in and said to Lee [Charnley, managing director] and the board that we want to see him training and playing.

Fabricio Coloccini in action for Newcastle last season (Getty)

"I haven't done that so I can't make a decision on the future at the present moment."

The Magpies boss was speaking following a 2-1 friendly defeat against York City on Wednesday and remains uncertain when supporters can expect to see the defender back in action.

"That's a good question and we want to see him out on the field," McClaren said. "He's not [playing] but we have to get to that situation very soon.

"I've come in, he's done well in training, got a niggle but we want to see him playing. He's captain and the rest of the players want him on the field, we hope he is sooner rather than later."

Georginio Wijnaldum arrived in the North East this summer (Getty Images)

Anderlecht full-back Chancel Mbemba is set to become Newcastle's latest new recruit to join Georginio Wijnaldum and Aleksandar Mitrović through the turnstiles at St James' Park.

McClaren, who has received more backing in the transfer market than his predecessors, added: "We're always looking, they'll be the right players, but I'm delighted with the players we've got. Delighted with their attitudes - results are not important in pre-season, performances are."