Sol Campbell could be set for a shock move to beleaguered North East giants Newcastle United after watching the their 3-0 win against Reading at St James' Park on Saturday evening.

The former Tottenham and Arsenal defender, 36 next month, left Portsmouth at the end of last season after his contract expired and is understood to have expressed an interest in becoming the Magpies' first summer signing.

Hull City boss Phil Brown revealed last week that he had held talks with Campbell over a possible switch to the KC Stadium, but with that deal hinging on the future of Liverpool target Michael Turner, it now appears the Newcastle are in pole position.

Indeed, the former England international could be brought in as a replacement for Steven Taylor, 23, who is reportedly ready to hand in a transfer request at the club to force through a £6million move to Everton.

Taylor, a boyhood Newcastle fan, is believed to be unhappy at the continued uncertainty surrounding the future of the club and recently branded the current situation 'a joke'.

The Championship outfit have been forced to sell a number of high-profile players this summer, while Chris Hughton remains in temporary charge as Mike Ashley attempts to sell the club to local businessman Barry Moat.