ASTON VILLA boss Martin O'Neill is ready to make a �6 million raid on Newcastle United for England Under-21 centre-half Steven Taylor.
ASTON VILLA boss Martin O'Neill is ready to make a �6 million raid on Newcastle United for England Under-21 centre-half Steven Taylor. (Mirror)
O'Neill has been looking far and wide for a new defender since losing Martin Laursen and selling Zat Knight and his scouts believe Taylor has qualities to replace both.
Taylor has been chased by several clubs this summer but none have met the Toon's valuation - and now Villa will try to tempt him away from Tyneside before the window shuts as the pressure grows on O'Neill to buy.
O'Neill has cash to spend and the fans are demanding signings in a hurry, with Taylor certainly in his range and budget if he reckons the deal is ultimately good value.
Taylor has impressed for the Under-21s and made a name for himself, but his form has been mixed for Newcastle during their last year of troubles.
O'Neill thinks he can bring out the best in Taylor and will try to land him as part of a major signing push in the next few days.
Villa chief O'Neill made a personal check on Wigan's Austrian star Paul Scharner at the weekend and is still keen on him if the price is right - despite being part of the side mauled 5-0 by Manchester United.
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