NEWCASTLE United boss Chris Hughton could be the Toon manager who finally ends up signing Norwegian international Per Ciljan Skjelbred.
And a move for Stoke City’s 6ft 3in Leon Cort is also a growing possibility for Hughton as he looks to reinforce his defensive options.
Hughton is currently drawing up a shortlist of transfer targets after being told he can bolster his squad during the January window.
The Chronicle understands that Mike Ashley’s decision to take the club off the market means the Toon owner is happy to let Hughton deal in the transfer market once again after 10 months of no cash signings.
However, the arrival of Rosenborg’s Skjelbred could be on an initial loan deal, with a view to a permanent move.
The 22-year-old has been on Newcastle’s radar for almost 18 months, and was originally on a shortlist drawn up by United’s failed transfer team of Dennis Wise and Tony Jimenez, who put the player forward as a possible signing for then boss Kevin Keegan – before he walked out on the Magpies last year.
Joe Kinnear is thought to have spurned the chance to sign the Trondheim-born ace, but Alan Shearer was understood to be considering all options until Ashley went cold on the idea of appointing him on a full-time basis.
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