CELTIC captain Gary Caldwell has emerged as a January transfer target for Newcastle United.
The Scotland international, who started his career at St James’ Park, has grown frustrated over the Parkhead club’s failure to offer him an acceptable new deal.
And the Chronicle understands Toon boss Chris Hughton has the centre-back high on his shortlist of players.
Caldwell has also told close friends and family he would be keen on a move back to Tyneside.
And with the defender available on a free transfer from July 1, bringing the player to Newcastle would boil down only to agreeing personal terms.
Hughton is keen to bolster his squad from a defensive point of view, with interest in free agent Sol Campbell and Sheffield United star Matthew Kilgallon already well known within in football circles.
However, while the 27-year-old’s experience of playing Champions League football would be a clear asset to Newcastle, they will also have to fight off interest from a clutch of Premier League clubs.
United also have competition from Middlesbrough, with Caldwell’s old boss Gordon Strachan in the hunt, and from West Brom.
A source close to Caldwell told the Chronicle: “Gary has heard nothing about a new contract for a long time.
“Naturally he’s considering his options as his contract expires at the end of the season and he is free to discuss a move in January with interested clubs.
“He doesn’t need to be told how big Newcastle are after coming through the Academy during the Sir Bobby Robson era when the club were in the Champions League.”
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