Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton is chasing Stoke City defender Leon Cort.

The Evening Chronicle says Hughton attempted to get 30-year-old Cort, brother of ex-Toon striker Carl, on loan earlier this season, but the Potters defender could be available on a cut-price deal during the January transfer window and is unhappy at Stoke.

Hughton is not confident of landing high-profile freebie Sol Campbell despite the fact he is now free to arrange a move to other clubs, with the veteran England defender's wages a clear stumbling block.

But Cort is one of a number of players that fits the bill for Hughton, and he has had a long-standing interest in the ex-Crystal Palace and Southend defender.