• Former Arsenal defender on verge of move to north-east • United beat Sunderland and Celtic to veteran centre-half

This article is more than 10 years old

This article is more than 10 years old

Sol Campbell is due to have a medical with Newcastle this afternoon with a view to signing for the newly-promoted Premier League club tomorrow.

The 35-year-old defender has been out of contract since his deal with Arsenal expired this summer and had been linked with United's north-east rivals Sunderland as well as Celtic.

It seems, though, that Newcastle have won the race for his services as they look to strengthen their defence ahead of their return to the top flight.

The Newcastle manager, Chris Hughton, has concerns over his defence heading into the new season with the club awaiting to discover the extent of Steven Taylor's shoulder injury.

Taylor is set to miss the start of the campaign, which Newcastle begin away to Manchester United on 16 August, but there are fears he could be sidelined for several months, prompting Hughton to make his move for Campbell.

Sunderland's interest in the former England international diminished in recent weeks after they signed Titus Bramble from Wigan, while they are also expected to loan John Mensah from Lyon for another season.

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.

The central defender made a shock return to the Premier League for a second spell with Arsenal last season, after he had signed for the then League Two side Notts County.

Campbell left County after just one match before rejoining the Gunners on a short-term deal.