JLLOYD Samuel could be the first of three Wanderers defenders heading to Newcastle United this summer.

Toon boss Chris Hughton claimed yesterday that the 29-year-old full-back was just one of a few players on his wish list currently plying their trade at the Reebok.

The Bolton News understand that Andy O’Brien and Danny Shittu are also being tracked by the newly-promoted club, although Whites boss Owen Coyle said yesterday that he had received no word from his opposite number at St James’ Park.

“I’ve not spoken to Chris Hughton on a football level, and, to the best of my knowledge, neither has Phil (Gartside),” he said. “I don’t know whether this has all come from agents, or what. I dare say Chris has got a plan, something in mind, but that certainly hasn’t reached me yet.”

Hughton has been warned by his chairman Mike Ashley that funds will be tight this season, despite the Magpies’ return to the big time.

Recruiting two full-backs are thought to be his top priority but with interest growing in highly rated centre-half Steven Taylor, the Newcastle boss is already earmarking potential replacements. It is understood that Wanderers would ask for a fee of around £500,000 for Samuel, who has 12 months remaining on his current contract.

That fee would be within Newcastle’s reach but despite admitting his interest yesterday, Hughton made the point that no official bid had yet been made.

“I can’t say there hasn’t been a phone call to see what the situation is (with Samuel),” he said. “But it has not gone as far as a bid, definitely not.

“He would have been probably one of a few players we’ve enquired about from that club even.

“At the moment we are in the process of finding out the availability of certain players and he was one of them.

“But I can say that it is nothing more than that at this stage.”

O’Brien has also been attracting the interest of Championship club Leeds United but is hoping to remain in the Premier League, where he has played for the last decade.

A return to his former club Newcastle would almost certainly appeal, and the former Republic of Ireland international’s ability to slot in at right-back could make him an ideal addition.

Newcastle have been long-term admirers of Shittu, and explored the possibility of a loan deal back in January.

The Nigeria international chose to stay and fight for his place under Coyle, but failed to make an appearance for the new Whites boss and has since been told he can leave the Reebok.

He turned down a move to Turkish club Kayserispor before leaving for the World Cup and is hoping to remain in English football, with Bristol City also said to be in the market for his signature once he returns from South Africa.

Meanwhile, former Wanderers striker Zoltan Harsanyi is said to be close to signing for SPL club Aberdeen.