Campbell could become Newcastle's third summer signing
Newcastle United look to have won the
race to sign defender Sol Campbell after the veteran arrived in the
north east for a medical on Tuesday.
The former England international, 35, is out of contract after his deal with Arsenal ran out this summer. The Gunners were reported to be keen to keep Campbell, while there was also interest from Sunderland and Celtic. But Campbell looks to have plumped for a move to the Magpies as they prepare for their Premier League return. Campbell could become Newcastle manager Chris Hughton's third summer signing following the arrivals of Dan Gosling and James Perch from Everton and Nottingham Forest respectively. Hughton is keen to strengthen his defence as the club wait to discover the extent of Steven Taylor's shoulder injury.
Sunderland's interest in Campbell diminished in recent weeks after they signed former Magpies defender Titus Bramble from Wigan, while they are also expected to loan John Mensah for another season from Lyon. Campbell has only recently returned from his honeymoon after being married in Northumberland earlier this month, after which he had indicated a decision on his future would be made public. Meanwhile, former Newcastle and England forward Peter Beardsley has moved from his coaching role within the Magpies' academy to become reserve team coach, replacing Alan Thompson, who joined Celtic at the end of last season. Former Nottingham Forest winger Steve Stone, who also worked with the academy, will assist Beardsley. | ||
