Taylor set to agree new deal at Magpies

NEWCASTLE defender Steven Taylor is close to agreeing a new contract following the intervention of owner Mike Ashley.

The billionaire businessman stepped in to urge new managing director Derek Llambias, who replaced chairman Chris Mort at the helm last week, to bring an end to the long-running saga over the 22-year-old’s future.

Taylor and his representatives have been in talks with the club for more than a year with a series of potential suitors, including Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, West Ham and Tottenham, watching closely.