Chris Hughton admits to Sol Campbell interest

Nov 20 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United boss Chris Hughton has admitted an interest in experienced defensive pair Gary Caldwell and Sol Campbell – but says they are just two names on a long list of January targets.

The United manager is looking to bring in another experienced centre-back to compete with first-choice pairing Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini and admits that both Campbell and Caldwell have the kind of quality he is looking for.

But Hughton insists that turning his admiration for the pair into a firm offer remains a fair distance away.

Indeed he suggested that the speculation linking United with a move for Campbell was being driven by representatives of the former England man.

The 36-year-old again spoke of his desire to play for United at a football function on Wednesday but with uncertainty surrounding his contract status, Hughton is working on other targets as a priority.

Scotland defender Caldwell may be one of them, but the Newcastle boss says that there has been no contact or expression of interest to either Celtic or the player’s agent.

“I think there is always an interest in quality players that might become available,” he said.

“You do get names thrown at you and often they are not names you have actively sought.

“The situation with Sol is he we don't know where he is at the moment. He is still a Notts County player and it's not clear when he is able to play. Sol is one of a few players that we are interested in.