Magilton also admitted he hoped Danny Simpson's loan spell at Portman Road last season might lead to more Manchester United youngsters heading to Suffolk.

BBC: Magilton keen on top-flight links

However Hughton was given money to spend on players during the January transfer window, bringing in defenders Mike Williamson and Danny Simpson, winger Wayne Routledge and striker Leon Best - all for undisclosed fees.

BBC: Newcastle United reveal tightened transfer budgets

Newcastle are short of defensive cover with just Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor available as senior professionals at centre-back, while Danny Simpson has filled in, along with Thomas Kadar and Ben Tozer in reserve.

BBC: Khizanishvili moves to Newcastle

Teenage full-back John Flanagan provided a testing cross from the right which Mike Williamson only partially headed clear, allowing Rodriguez to volley a shot from 12 yards that took a crucial deflection off Danny Simpson past keeper Tim Krul.

BBC: Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle

Matt Taylor's free-kick rebounded off the bar and eventually fell at the feet of Danny Simpson, whose clearance bounced off a Bolton player and into the path of Lee in the box who calmly slipped the ball past Krul.

BBC: Bolton 5-1 Newcastle

The likes of Danny Wright, Lanre Oyebanjo and Josh Simpson have all been in great form for the Stutes so far this season.

BBC: Histon seal double defender deal