Newcastle United are to sign former Arsenal and Spurs defender Sol Campbell.

The ex-England man, now 35, will sign a contract after going through a medical at St James’ Park on Tuesday.

Arsenal had wanted to keep Campbell following his return after a spell at League Two Notts County, however it is expected that Campbell will now sign for the Magpies.

There was also apparent interest from Sunderland and Celtic for his services.

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.

Taylor is currently injured and will miss the season opener at Manchester United on August 16th, however there are fears on Tyneside that he will be out for much longer which has forced Hughton’s hand in moving for Campbell.

Sunderland had cooled their interest in Campbell following the signings of Titus Bramble from Wigan and another year’s loan move for John Mensah 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.

Jon Osterland