Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren says he needs to see club captain Fabricio Coloccini in action before making a decision on the defender’s future.

The Argentina international has been at St James’ Park since 2008 and has been a regular fixture in the first-team, making over 220 appearances for the Magpies.

The centre-back was a key part of the team that won promotion back to the Premier League in 2010 and also the side that regained European football in the 2012/13 season for the first time since 2007.

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew, who managed the defender when the duo were both at Newcastle, is reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old and is keen on completing a deal.

Coloccini has been struggling with fitness in pre-season and missed the match against York on Wednesday night due to injury, although the captain did watch from the stands.

McClaren knows there is interest in the Argentine but the former England head coach insists no decision will be made on his future until he sees him in action.

“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.” he said. “I haven’t done that so I can’t make a decision on the future at the present moment.

“He 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.”

Newcastle endured a tough season last time out and the Magpies are priced at 6.00 to get relegated while they are a 13.00 shot to finish bottom.