Newcastle United look to have won the race to sign defender Sol Campbell after the veteran arrived in the north east for a medical on Tuesday.
The former England international, 35, is out of contract after his deal with Arsenal ran out this summer.
The Gunners were reported to be keen to keep Campbell, while there was also interest from Sunderland and Celtic.
But Campbell looks to have plumped for a move to the Magpies as they prepare for their Premier League return.
Campbell could become Newcastle manager Chris Hughton’s third summer signing following the arrivals of Dan Gosling and James Perch from Everton and Nottingham Forest respectively.
Hughton is keen to strengthen his defence as the club wait to discover the extent of Steven Taylor’s shoulder injury.
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Taylor is set to at least 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 Campbell diminished in recent weeks after they signed former Magpies defender Titus Bramble from Wigan, while they are also expected to loan John Mensah for another season from Lyon.
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.
Meanwhile, former Newcastle and England forward Peter Beardsley has moved from his coaching role within the Magpies’ academy to become reserve team coach, replacing Alan Thompson, who joined Celtic at the end of last season.
Former Newcastle winger Steve Stone will assist Beardsley.
