Arsenal defender Matthew Upson has been training with Newcastle.
The centre-back has been unable to force his way into the Gunners' first team and he is currently on loan with First Division Reading. The former England Under-21 international is understood to have trained with the Magpies last week and his progress is being monitored by manager Sir Bobby Robson.
Newcastle tried to sign the 23-year-old in 1997, but the player opted to join Arsenal in a £2m deal from Luton.
He has been tipped to become an England star, but he has been plagued by a series of injuries.
Robson is keen to bolster his defence, but has not decided yet whether Upson is the man for the job.
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