NEWCASTLE will confirm the capture of Sol Campbell later today after the veteran centre-half underwent a medical on Tyneside yesterday afternoon.

Campbell will sign a oneyear deal with the Magpies after turning down alternative offers from Sunderland, Celtic and Arsenal.

The 35-year-old expressed a desire to join Newcastle earlier this month, and held a number of discussions with club officials and manager Chris Hughton.

Those talks came to a successful resolution on Monday evening, and Campbell travelled to the North-East yesterday to finalise the details of his switch.

He is not expected to be involved in Saturday’s pre-season friendly with PSV Eindhoven, as he has only recently returned from his honeymoon after his wedding to Northumberland- born Fiona Barratt.

However, he could feature in Newcastle’s final pre-season game against Rangers and will be available for the opening game of the Premier League season at Manchester United on August 16.

Confirmation of Campbell’s arrival will ease much of the pressure that has built in the wake of Steven Taylor’s shoulder injury at Carlisle.

Taylor’s dislocated shoulder is expected to sideline him for the opening month of the season, and Hughton had been preparing for the new campaign with Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson as his only experienced and available centrehalves.

Campbell’s name can now be added to that list, and the former England international, who became a free agent when his six-month contract at Arsenal expired last month, will add some much-needed experience to the Magpies’ defensive ranks.

The Londoner made more than 300 senior appearances for Tottenham after joining as a trainee, and worked closely with Hughton, who spent more than a decade as a member of the White Hart Lane club’s coaching staff.

Campbell controversially crossed north London to join Arsenal in 2001, and spent five seasons with the Gunners, winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.

He joined Portsmouth in 2006, before making an unexpected move to League Two side Notts County last summer.

His spell at Meadow Lane lasted just one game, but after his contract was cancelled in September, he returned at the start of this year to resurrect his career under Arsene Wenger.

Wenger offered him an opportunity to remain at Arsenal, albeit on severely reduced terms, while Steve Bruce was keen to take him to the Stadium of Light.

Campbell had already decided he preferred to join Newcastle though – last autumn, when he was first linked with the club, he said, “Newcastle are a big club and could be heading back to the Premier League – it appeals” – and yesterday’s events have paved the way for an official confirmation later today.

Newcastle have already confirmed a significant backroom change, with Peter Beardsley having been promoted to reserveteam coach from his previous position in the club’s Academy.

Beardsley, who replaces Alan Thompson, who moved to Celtic this summer, will be assisted by fellow former England international Steve Stone.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me and one that I am thrilled to have been given,” said Beardsley, who made more than 300 playing appearances for the Magpies. “I can’t wait to get cracking with what I know are a very talented set of players.”

Hughton added: “This is an excellent opportunity for Peter and Steve. I hope their services will be of great benefit to the club.”