Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is expected to be sidelined for the first three months of the new season. The 24-year-old has undergone surgery after dislocating his left shoulder in a pre-season friendly at Carlisle on 17 July.

The Magpies confirmed on their website: "After further assessment on the injury over the past week, the medical bulletin is that it will be a three-month period of rehabilitation."

The latest setback happened on the former England Under-21 captain's first appearance since suffering a knee injury in January. His absence makes yesterday's signing of Sol Campbell all the more timely. The veteran former England international was snapped up on a one-year deal after leaving Arsenal as a free agent. Campbell will now compete with Fabricio Coloccini, Danny Simpson, Tamas Kadar and Mike Williamson for a place at the heart of Newcastle's defence in the early stages of the season.

In more positive news for the Magpies, young goalkeeper Tim Krul has signed a new four-year contract with the club. The Dutchman, 22, has impressed on his rare first-team appearances as understudy to Steve Harper and, before him, Shay Given, and has also had successful loan spells at Falkirk and Carlisle.

He told nufc.co.uk: "I am delighted to commit my future to Newcastle United, hopefully I can fulfil my dream by becoming the future number one goalkeeper as well as getting into the Dutch national team squad. I have been at the club for five years and it feels like home. I would like to thank Harps and Paul Barron for the guidance that they have shown me to date."

Manager Chris Hughton added: "We are delighted to have secured a four-year contract with Tim. He showed last season what an outstanding young goalkeeper he is and he can only get better."