Ex-Newcastle defender Steven Taylor close to joining Championship club

Taylor will train with Mick McCarthy's side next week with a view to joining the Championship club.

The 30-year-old left Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers last month.

Ipswich manager McCarthy said: “He’s coming to train on Monday. If he’s fit he’ll be a good asset.

"He’s been out in America playing and we’ll have a look at him next week. He was a very good player for Newcastle.”

Taylor left boyhood club Newcastle at the end of last season.

The former England Under-21 international made 268 appearances for United, who offered him a deal to stay at St James's Park last summer.

Taylor's final game came in the season-ending 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Newcastle are due to play Ipswich at Portman Road on April 17.