Does Colo really want to leave Newcastle?

Tyneside days numbered for Colo? There is no way you haven't seen the rumours regarding Fabricio Coloccini apparently wanting to leave United.

If you have missed them then where have you been?

There is an awful lot of confusion about this. The general consensus appears to be that the rumour is true, with the Evening Chronicle seeming to verify the reports, but there are other outlets around, such as BBC Newcastle and the agent of Coloccini, who are saying that it isn't true.

You can make up your own mind but I guess the only way we will find out is by giving it time, which is something we don't have too much of in a January transfer window. I would guess the teamsheet at Carrow Road tomorrow may give us a clue and if Colo isn't involved I'd say that is pretty much a confirmation that something isn't quite right.

Personal reasons and a rumoured split with his wife are being mentioned, but then there is that word again - rumour. Wouldn't it just be best for the manager or the player or the club to come out and say something to clear it up one way or the other?

Colo leaving us now would be very much like a rat deserting a sinking ship. Happy to sign a lucrative new deal less than 12 months ago when things were going well yet when the going gets tough he seemingly wants to quit.

The problem Colo has is that the club who are rumoured to be after him - San Lorenzo - wouldn't be able to offer us enough money to make a deal worthwhile from a club perspective and they also wouldn't be able to offer him anywhere near the salary he currently receives. I want a Ferrari but my finances don't stretch that far and San Lorenzo are in a similar situation.

Undoubtedly it is bad news which means that it is usually true, but I don't think it is as clear as the press are making it out to be. For some obscure reason I still think Colo will be a United player come February 1st but that is only a gut feeling and I've been hopelessly wrong with those before.

Time will tell I guess...