Newcastle have bolstered their defense ahead of their return to the Premier League by winning the race to sign free agent center back Sol Campbell.

The 35-year-old had held talks with Celtic and Sunderland this summer, but he’s elected to sign a one-year deal to join Chris Hughton’s side. The Magpies were in need of a new central defender, as Steven Taylor picked up a shoulder injury in a recent friendly against Carlisle United that could see him miss several weeks.

Campbell expressed excitement at his move to St. James’ Park, saying, ‘At this stage of my career I couldn’t have wished for a better move.

‘To join a club such as Newcastle United, with its proud tradition, heritage and magnificent support, is absolutely tremendous for me.

‘I’d like to thank Chris Hughton for putting his faith in me and aim to repay him and the supporters by giving everything I possibly can to help re-establish this great club in the top-tier of English football.

‘I just want to play and can’t wait to get started. There’s a real buzz about the place and that’s great. I’ve played at St. James’ Park numerous times and always found it a fantastic place to play, there’s always a tremendous atmosphere.

‘Chris will focus everyone together and get the team ready for the season, it’s nice seeing Colin Calderwood too having played with him at Tottenham. Getting out on to the training pitch will be a wonderful feeling.’

Campbell surprisingly signed with Notts County last summer after leaving Portsmouth, but after cutting that stint short in September after only one appearance. He then signed on for a second stint with Arsenal in January, and due to injuries to Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas, wound up making 10 Premier League starts over the last few months of the season.