Newcastle put Taylor on transfer list

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has been put on the transfer list after failing to agree a new contract.

Taylor’s current deal expires at the end of this season and, with no progress in negotiations over a new contract, the Premier League club have decided to cash in on the centre-back now rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next year.

The 24-year-old has missed Newcastle’s first two games of the season as he recovers from shoulder surgery which sidelined him for the second half of last season, but he had been expected to be a key member of Chris Hughton’s team.

Newcastle-raised Taylor has had a stormy few months after it was alleged he suffered a broken jaw in a training ground incident involving striker Andy Carroll towards the end of the campaign.

Taylor’s situation has been monitored for some time by a series of top clubs, including Liverpool and Chelsea, and he could now move before the transfer window closes on August 31.

A Newcastle spokesman said: “We can confirm that Steven Taylor is on the transfer list.”

Taylor responded by claiming in a statement that he was stunned to hear he had been transfer-listed.

Taylor is adamant he and his agent Paul Stretford are still keen to ensure he stays at the club.

The statement said: “Figures released to the media do not accurately reflect the position of either Steven or his agent.

“Both remain happy to continue negotiations over a new and extended Newcastle United contract.

“Steven was disappointed and surprised to hear through third parties that the club had decided to transfer list him.

“He has always given 100 percent to the club and will continue to do so given the opportunity.”