Distin Snub Could Free Campbell For Newcastle

Last updated : 22 May 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Confirmation Distin's five-year career at Manchester City is over has boosted Pompey's confidence that they can finally complete a £40,000-a-week deal for the 29-year-old on a free transfer.

The 6ft 4in defender opted to see out the final year of his City contract last summer when Pompey boss Harry Redknapp was hoping to sign him.

Now Distin, signed by City for £4million in 2002 from Paris St Germain after spending a season with Newcastle on loan, insists: "I have enjoyed my time at City but now I feel I have to play somewhere else."

Distin is reported to have turned down approaches from Middlesbrough and Newcastle. But could he be set to replace Sol Campbell in the Pompey back-line, freeing Campbell to move to Newcastle?

The scenario is complicated by Sam Allardyce's interest in Campbell - and Redknapp's in Titus Bramble, the former Ipswich defender who has been released after five years at the Magpies.

Bramble will travel to Portsmouth for a medical this week as he looks to complete a free transfer switch.

Harry Redknapp is adamant Campbell, the former England international, is not going anywhere.

Redknapp has conducted a lengthy pursuit of Bramble since he became available on a Bosman-style free transfer in January and has told the former United defender that he will be playing alongside Campbell at Fratton Park next season. So where does that put Distin?

Indeed, the presence of Campbell is a major reason why Bramble decided to sign for Portsmouth, despite interest from Scottish giants Celtic, Premiership outfit Fulham and newly-promoted Birmingham City.

There have been suggestions that Campbell is desperate to move to St James's Park as Pompey failed to qualify for Europe, but Newcastle cannot offer him European football either.

Contrary to some reports, Redknapp has also insisted that Campbell signed a two-year contract when he moved to Pompey last summer and is not available on a free transfer.