Liverpool Join Hunt For Newcastle's Steven Taylor - Report

Newcastle United's much coveted centre-back Steven Taylor has gained another potential suitor in Premier League runners-up Liverpool.

The Newcastle Evening Chronicle claims the Reds are keen on the former England Under-21 captain, but will join Aston Villa and Everton in the battle for his signature.

Everton manager David Moyes has kept a close eye on Taylor as the Joleon Lescott transfer saga rumbles on but has also sounded out Arsenal over the availability of Swiss defender Philippe Senderos.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has reportedly been alerted to Taylor's discontent with the situation at Newcastle by former Toon stars James Milner and Habib Beye.

Whilst Taylor has not expressed any desire to leave Newcastle he is widely regarded to be playing in a level below that of his ability.

Transfer turmoil has caused the departure of many players from Tyneside this summer as the appointment of manager-in-waiting Alan Shearer failed to materialise.

However Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias confirmed the club are in talks with local businessman Barry Moat and two other interested parties regarding the sale of the club.

A quick sale and immediate appointment of Shearer as manager could help the Magpies hold on to Taylor and other stars at the club.

Newcastle's staggering wage bill has been slashed with the exit of big earners Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins, Mark Viduka and Damien Duff, who completed a move to Fulham on Tuesday.

David Kifford, Goal.com