Thirty-one year old Campbell has already turned down a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce, and Roeder, has got in first before the England international turns down Newcastle. Roeder says he wants younger players at the club and not a player approaching his swansong. But it is Campbell's wage of £80,000 per week that is frightening off the Newcastle board.
Roeder: “He is a very talented central defender, and I'm very aware of his ability. But I have to say Sol is not a player I am interested in signing. The crux of the matter is that if we are to sign another central defender, I would be looking to sign a younger player, although someone still with experience at this level.
“I have worked with Sol Campbell before at England level. I enjoyed working with him at France 98. I am very conscious of the average age of the squad at the moment, and I want to slightly reduce that if I can. I do have two or three targets in that position, and if they were to become available then I would be interested. I've heard about the speculation linking us to Sol and I wanted to nip it in the bud. He's a good player and I wish him and England all the best at the World Cup.”