Hughton ponders Campbell approach

Campbell won 73 caps for England from 1996-2007

Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton is pondering a move to sign free agent Sol Campbell after the defender showed an interest in the Magpies.

The 35-year-old former England defender left League Two side Notts County in September after only one appearance and is now trying to find another club.

"It's one I wouldn't rule out," said Hughton. "But he's a player who will get a lot of offers."

Hughton first worked with Campbell in their days together at Spurs.

Hughton has been seeking defensive cover for first-choice centre-halves Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor.

And with young recruits including Ben Tozer and Tamas Kadar currently in reserve, Campbell would add experience to the ranks.

He has stated a desire to carry on playing so it is one that possibly might happen

Chris Hughton on the prospect of signing Sol Campbell

However Hughton is keeping his options open, given the Newham-born defender's lack of match fitness this season.

"He has still got a lot to offer the game," he said. "He's already been at Notts County, but he only played one game so he hasn't played a lot of football.

"Wherever he goes it will be on the back of that one game, but he has stated a desire to carry on playing so it is one that possibly might happen."

Campbell has previously expressed his enthusiasm for a move to the north east, after aborting his stay at Meadow Lane.

"Newcastle are a big club and could be heading back to the Premier League," he told ESPN Soccernet. "It appeals."

Campbell, who left Portsmouth in May, cannot join another team until County release his registration, which is the subject of ongoing negotiation.

The Meadow Lane club are refusing to release Campbell's registration so he can sign for another club until he agrees on a "statement of departure".

606: DEBATE

What do you make of Campbell's interest in Newcastle?

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor says County are keen to stop Campbell discussing matters relating to the club's ownership.

Campbell, who left County less than a month into a five-year deal, has been training with former employers Arsenal and is considering taking his case to a Football League tribunal.

He added: "I have been approached by several clubs, and yes, it is correct to say that Newcastle are one of them.

"People might be surprised to hear me say that I would be very interested in a move there, but I have my reasons.

"I have spoken with Gordon Taylor and he will impress upon the League the urgency of the case and try to make a tribunal hearing a priority. If we can sort it all out at the tribunal I would hope to be playing within weeks from now.

"I am training every day with Arsenal, feel fit - as fit as ever - and now I really need some matches. But, to sort out the mess at Notts County, a Football League tribunal seems to be the only way out."