Premiership clubs are circling for want-away Sheffield United defender Matthew Kilgallon.

The Sun says Newcastle are still confident they will capture the defender.

But Celtic boss Tony Mowbray, a long- standing admirer of Kilgallon, 25, is now weighing up a formal approach after his side's capitulation to Hearts at the weekend.

Kilgallon's deal runs out at the end of the season and contract talks failed to achieve a breakthrough.

Wigan, Burnley and Bolton are also monitoring Kilgallon's situation closely.

But officials at St James' Park are convinced they have won the battle for the ex-Leeds star.