Newcastle fail in £1m bid for Kilgallon

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton failed in a deadline-beating bid for Matthew Kilgallon yesterday - after Sheffield United asked for £3million.

  Hughton's money men were prepared to pay £1million plus a bonus if they won promotion .

  But Bramall Lane supremo Kevin McCabe wants far more for the defender who still looks sure to quit the club at the end of the season - or in the January window.

   Hughton may return for Kilgallon in the New Year but the next few games are vital to the Newcastle campaign as they try to remain top of the table.

  Meanwhile, Sheffield United have snapped up keeper Carl Ikeme from Wolves after he joined them on loan following a similar successful spell at Charlton. He may move permanently.

  The Blades are unlikely to keep Mark Bunn once his loan ends and he is set to return to Blackburn Rovers.