Losing Coloccini would be a huge blow to Newcastle

Last season's exploits are slowly becoming a distant memory for Newcastle United fans. Securing a fifth placed finish in the Premier League saw many a supporter believe they were closing in on a return to Champions League football.

Papiss Cisse was firing on all cylinders following his January move, Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote had formed one of the more formidable midfield partnerships in the Premiership and, as a result, Alan Pardew was rewarded with an eight-year contract – the mind boggles at the last aspect.

Fast forward to January 2013 and it couldn't be more contrasting for the Magpies. Cisse has just five goals to his name this season in all competitions, Cabaye remains sidelined for the foreseeable future, while Tiote is now off at the African Cup of Nations for the best part of a month, and it's looking bleaker and bleaker for Pardew.

If that wasn't bad enough, Newcastle now look all but set to lose Fabricio Coloccini to San Lorenzo, with the Argentine admitting he is pining for a return to his native Argentina. While the defender failed to make an instantaneous impact at St. James' Park, he has all but endeared himself to the fans following colossal performances in the heart of the defence.

However, if Newcastle are to lose their star centre-back, it will only spell disaster for the Magpies. Failing to score goals at one end, it's vital they stop shipping them at the other, which would be that much more difficult if they were to lose Coloccini.

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