Taylor out for three months

Newcastle have been rocked by the news that Steven Taylor will miss the opening months of the new season through injury.

The 24-year-old defender dislocated his left shoulder during the Magpies' pre-season friendly with Carlisle on July 17 and has now been told that an operation is required.

"After further assessment on the injury over the past week, the medical bulletin is that it will be a three-month period of rehabilitation," a statement on the club's official website read.

However, Newcastle boss Chris Hughton did at least increase his defensive options on Wednesday by completing the signing of former England international Sol Campbell.