Sol Campbell could be cleared to play for Newcastle in January - Exclusive

Sol Campbell hopes a crunch Football League meeting next month will pave the way for him to join Newcastle immediately.

Former England defender Campbell, 35, has got Championship Newcastle and West Brom clamouring for him after leaving Notts County.

Campbell walked out on League Two County after just one game in September following concerns over their owners Munto Finance.

But despite ripping up his lucrative contract, County have retained Campbell’s registration.

And Campbell, who has 73 caps, is now relying on a meeting on December 10 to enable him to resume his playing career.

Campbell has applied for special dispensation to start playing again right away but realistically he will be cleared to join Newcastle on a free in January when the transfer window opens.