Newcastle's £1m Williamson bid accepted

Jan 22 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

NEWCASTLE boss Chris Hughton has hailed the “Championship pedigree” of Portsmouth defender Mike Williamson as he closes in on his second signing of the January transfer window.

Williamson was negotiating personal terms with United last night after the club had a £1m offer accepted and a deal could even be pushed through this afternoon for a player who has been a long-term Hughton target.

United were also considering a bid for Sheffield Wednesday’s young defender Mark Beevers but moved quickly for Williamson after becoming aware of interest from his former club Watford. Williamson is understood to be keen on a move to United after a long period of inactivity at Fratton Park, where he is yet to make his debut. His lack of first-team appearances is believed to relate to payments cash-strapped Portsmouth would be due to pay if he played.

Hughton told The Journal last night he was keen for the deal to be completed as soon as possible – raising the possibility of a midweek debut against Crystal Palace for the 26-year-old former Wycombe defender.

“There has been an offer made which has been accepted and at the moment we’re just working on the lad’s terms,” the United manager said. “It’s a deal that I hope goes through as soon as possible. I’m not sure whether it’s finalised but it looks as if it is quite close at the moment.

“He’s a player with good pedigree who is used to this division. He did very, very well at Watford and I have known about him for a while.

“We were interested in him before he went to Portsmouth but his games have been limited there, so this is a good opportunity for the club and for the player too. He’s a good age which gives him experience and he’ll be good competition in an area that we have always said we needed to strengthen.”