Hughton coy over Toon targets

Hughton: Discussing Toon plans

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• Damien Duff

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Caretaker manager Chris Hughton insists that Newcastle have contingency plans in place for the rest of the transfer window.

Damien Duff is the latest to join the exodus from St James' Park following relegation from the Premier League last season, with the Irish winger completing a move to Fulham on Tuesday.

The Magpies may further cut their wage bill with Argentinian duo Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez being linked with a move away from Tyneside.

Steven Taylor could also be on his way, as he is reportedly a target for Liverpool, Everton and Aston Villa, but Hughton is adamant that the 23-year-old defender still features prominently in his plans.

"With Steven, it is just very much speculation," he said.

Involved

"He has been involved in the first two games and played very well, and he will be involved [against Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday] as well."

Hughton admits there may be further departures before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.

So far Newcastle have failed to make any summer signings and although Hughton refused to confirm reported interest in former England defender Sol Campbell and a return for Danish winger Peter Lovenkrands, the stand-in boss is confident the club will pounce as and when needed.

"It would be fair to say that we have spoken very much about the possibility of what could happen over this couple of weeks," Hughton added.

Judgement call

"As to doing anything positive in the way of bringing players in, nothing has happened yet.

"But I am quite sure that whenever the right time is to make a judgement call, that will be done.

"You certainly have to make plans that, if you are to lose one or two players, there have to be replacements.

"Yes, there have been talks, but any names will be kept very much in-house."