Newcastle plot January swoop for Championship centre-half

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Championship centre-half Richard Keogh.

Magpies head coach Steve McClaren is believed to be ready to return to his former club Derby County in a bid to snap up the Republic of Ireland international in the New Year.

The 29-year-old, who has seven international caps to his name, has made 12 league appearances for Paul Clement’s Ram so far this season.

Despite their 6-2 thrashing of Norwich City last weekend; Newcastle are still deemed defensively weak having shipped 19 goals in their opening nine top-flight fixtures so far this term.

McClaren is keen on bringing in a defensive recruit that he trusts during the January transfer window, with £4m-rated Keogh fitting the bill after the Premier League clubs failure to tempt him to St James’ Park over the summer.