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Newcastle strengthen defence, eye Moses swoop

LONDON (AFP) - Championship leaders Newcastle have signed QPR defender Fitz Hall on loan until the end of the season as cover for injured centreback Steven Taylor, who is out for two months with knee ligament damage.

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is also hoping to sign a left-back and a striker before the transfer window closes on Monday as he seeks to bolster his squad for the final push for a return to the Premier League.

The Magpies are one of a number of clubs hoping to sign Crystal Palace's 19-year-old forward Victor Moses, who has been put up for sale following Palace's move into administration earlier this week.

"It's one we have a very, very keen interest in," Hughton confirmed. "He is a player who has an ability to score goals. There is a power and pace, but it is his potential.

"Around what we are trying to do here this season, which is the most important thing, there also has to be an eye on the future, and he is certainly a player of wonderful potential."