Source: Northern_Echo
Hughton may make move for Campbell
CHRIS HUGHTON refuses to rule out making a move for Sol Campbell in the next transfer window but insists he will not be rushed into signing players.[LNB] The Newcastle United manager has played down reports that owner Mike Ashley will arm him with significant funds in January to bolster the Magpies squad ahead of the promotion run-in.[LNB] Hughton's forays into the loan market this season have yielded mixed results with Manchester United defender Danny Simpson the only temporary recruit who has so far done enough to warrant a permanent deal.[LNB] Suggestions that Hughton will have up to £20m to spend on new players are fanciful but he will be in a position to make permanent signings in January with Campbell and Leeds striker Darren Beckford two of the more high profile names under consideration.[LNB] The Magpies boss revealed that a move for Campbell could still be on the cards despite Newcastle baulking last month after they were made aware of the former England centre-back's terms.[LNB] Campbell's contract wrangle with Notts County is preventing him from securing a deal with another club but a Football League Disciplinary Commission hearing on December 10 could resolve the dispute. Hughton is keeping tabs on the situation and if Zurab Zhizanishvili fails to impress in the final six weeks of his loan deal from Blackburn Rovers then a deal for the vastly experienced Campbell who would welcome a move to St James' Park - could be an option that holds appeal for both parties.[LNB] Hughton and his scouts are using the break from league action to assess potential targets but the return from injury of Nicky Butt, Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini means the Newcastle boss will not be panicked into spending Ashley's cash.[LNB] Regarding a move for Campbell, who earned 73 England caps, Hughton said: It's one that I wouldn't rule out.[LNB] He's a player that will go somewhere at some stage and he will get a lot of offers, but we won't rule him out of coming here.[LNB] The former Arsenal and Tottenham defender was linked with a move to Newcastle in pre-season before he made a surprise switch to Meadow Lane.[LNB] We are constantly looking at possible signings, but there isn't anything pressing at the moment. I can't see anything happening in the short term,[LNB] confirmed Hughton. We don't want to sign players just for the sake of it. They have to be the right players as we work towards the January transfer window. We've got a few players back from injury and that has helped as well.[LNB] I'm happy with the squad but if I get the chance to strengthen I will do.[LNB] We are fortunate because the loan deals we have in place for Zurab Khizanishvili and Marlon Harewood take us until after Christmas so we don't have to worry about that too much and I think Danny Simpson is actually with us until January.[LNB] As I understand it, the only game we will be without Zurab and Marlon is the Derby match (on December 28) so hopefully it won't cause us too many problems. That will take is up to the transfer window and we will see what happens then in terms of signings.[LNB]
