Roeder said: "I would like a central defender this side of 26 and an experienced one over 30 with a big CV and successful playing career."

That is a marked departure for Roeder, who has repeatedly spoken of his intention to sign players with their best days ahead of them.

Roeder declined the chance to take 32-year-old former England international Sol Campbell to St James' Park last year when he became available from Arsenal, citing his age as a problem.

Campbell, who has enjoyed a hugely successful season at Portsmouth, has again been linked with a switch to Tyneside this summer, and while the Magpies manager is not naming his targets, he seems prepared to alter his policy as he addresses the seemingly annual task of strengthening a much-maligned defence.

However, the emergence of 21-year-old home-grown centre-half Steven Taylor as a real prospect - the England Under-21 international has even attracted the attention of senior international boss Steve McClaren - has prompted a potential change of direction.

With Titus Bramble, Moore and loan signing Oguchi Onyewu all appearing likely to leave St James' this summer, Roeder is considering attempting to pair Taylor with an experienced campaigner to fast-track his development.

The fact Roeder is drawing up plans for the new campaign is an illustration of his belief he will remain in charge beyond the end of the current season despite continuing speculation linking Sam Allardyce with his job.

Newcastle have not commented publicly on the rumours, although it is understood assurances have been given privately.

In the meantime, the 51-year-old will get on with the business of preparing his side for Saturday's Barclays Premiership clash with Blackburn desperate to end their home campaign by bouncing back from Monday night's 1-0 defeat at Reading.

Roeder handed England midfielder Kieron Dyer the captain's armband for that game as the 28-year-old became the fifth different man this season to lead the side out.

That caused raised eyebrows in certain circles - the former Ipswich midfielder famously refused to play on the right wing for Sir Bobby Robson at Middlesbrough and once throw the armband on to the ground at the Riverside Stadium after being tossed it by the departing Alan Shearer.

However, Roeder, who saw Dyer almost gift the Royals a second goal with a wayward pass and then squander a glorious opportunity to snatch a point, said: "I made Kieron Dyer captain for purely motivational reasons.

"When I told him, his eyes lit up and it was a special moment for him.

"I thought he carried the responsibility of being captain off very well, even though a couple of vital aspects of the game went against him.

"He is an England player and an experienced player, and he was playing in a position on the pitch on Monday night in which he was in touch with the rest of the team.

"The majority of people do not understand Kieron Dyer. If you sit down with him, he has a lot of football intelligence and has a good understanding of the game."

Meanwhile, 18-year-old striker Andy Carroll looks likely to opt for England after turning down the chance to represent Scotland at Under-19 level.

Carroll was selected for the Scottish side, for which he qualifies through his family, for last night's friendly against Austria, but did not travel north, with England's Under-18s expected to call him up within weeks.