Chris Hughton plays down talk of Sol Campbell joining Newcastle

Sol Campbell does not expect to join Newcastle United even though Chris Hughton has not ruled out signing the former England defender.

Campbell, who is a free agent after Notts County released his registration yesterday, had revealed his interest in a move to St James' Park last month.

But Hughton has always been cautious and would prefer to sign Sheffield United's promising centre-back Matthew Kilgallon.

"Sol is an absolute top, top defender and I think that shows by his achievements," the Newcastle manager said. "We're not prepared to rule it out, because he's a player who would be available, but we have other options. It would not be appropriate for me to say whether Sol is first choice or not."

The managing director of Newcastle, Derek Llambias, has claimed money will be spent only on young players, which may explain Hughton's stance. Campbell said: "I have a few clubs tabling offers at the moment, but one of them doesn't seem to be Newcastle now."

Newcastle are hoping to turn the right-back Danny Simpson's loan move from Manchester United into a permanent one next month, but the versatile defender Zurab Khizanishvili will be sent back to Blackburn Rovers when his loan deal expires at the end of this month.