Newcastle United are launching a bid for Sheffield United fullback Kyle Naughton.

The Northern Echo says Toon executive director Dennis Wise is known to have watched the right-back on two separate occasions in December, and while manager Joe Kinnear had originally intended Naughton, to provide cover for first-choice full-back Habib Beye, recent events have altered the situation.

Kinnear has previously claimed he would "not be afraid to sign Championship players", and while Paddy Kenny, Michael Kightly and Joe Ledley have all been linked with St James' Park, Naughton is understood to be his leading target from English football's second tier.