NEWCASTLE could be lining up with an all-Norwegian central defensive partnership in January after tracking Scandanavian stopper Brede Hangeland.

With Graeme Souness desperate to bolster his backline when the transfer window opens, United scouts are understood to have watched the 24-year-old in action for his current club Viking Stavanger.

Texas-born Hangeland, who has previously spent time on trial at Everton, has become an established member of the Norwegian international side this season.

But the Magpies could face fierce competition from Premiership rivals Tottenham if they step up their interest in the defender.

The London club are equally short of defensive cover and, with the out-of-favour Anthony Gardner set to leave White Hart Lane in January, director of football Frank Arnesen has made a centre-half his number one priority this winter.

The Dane has already used his contacts to sign one Scandanavian - Swedish defender Erik Edman - and is an avowed admirer of Hangeland.

Viking insist that they have no plans to sell their number one asset and, as he still has three years to run on his current deal, Newcastle will need to find around £3m to secure his services.

Compatriot Ronny Johnsen will come considerably cheaper, and Souness is ready to offer the 35-year-old an extension to his short-term deal.

Johnsen will become a free agent on January 1, but Souness is keen to keep him at St James' Park until the end of the season.

The former Manchester United defender has made four appearances for the Magpies this term, starting the club's last two league games alongside Titus Bramble.

He was forced out of last weekend's 2-0 win at Crystal Palace because of a groin injury, but would have been unable to play in Sochaux tomorrow night anyway as he is ineligible for European games until the New Year.

Newcastle should have midfielder Nicky Butt back in the squad for tomorrow's visit to France, as the England international has shaken off the hamstring problem that kept him out of Saturday's win at Selhurst Park.

Butt has missed United's last three UEFA Cup games after being sent off against Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin, but he is set to return as Souness' side go in search of the three points that will guarantee their progression into the knock-out phase of the competition.