Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew was shocked by the news that club captain Fabricio Coloccini wants to leave the club in January, as reported by The Independent.

Coloccini’s demands are just another blow to Newcastle and Pardew who are just two points above the Premier League relegation zone and without an away win all season ahead of their visit to Norwich this afternoon.

The Argentinian defender has reported personal problems and wants to head back to South America and join boyhood club San Lorenzo this month.

The 30-year-old was set to lead the team out at Carrow Road today but it is yet to be seen what frame of mind he and his manager will be in going into the vital Premier League clash.

If Coloccini does push through the move, Newcastle will be left with very little defensive cover and will need to sign at least one defender in this window or face a long second half of the season.

Steven Taylor is still injured and so Mike Williamson would be the only recognised central defender at the club but freeing up Coloccini’s high wages could give Pardew some extra funds to spend.

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