Any hopes that Harry Redknapp may have had to try and land Newcastle defender Steven Taylor look set to be dashed.

The Magpies are thought to be close to tying him down to a new deal, with his current contract set to end in June.

Taylor was transfer listed during the summer as contract talks hit an impasse but reports claim Newcastle have offered the defender improved terms to remain at St James' Park.

It has been claimed the club have offered Taylor over £40,000 a week to remain at Newcastle in a bid to fend off interest from Spurs and Everton, who are thought to be eager to sign him as a free agent in the summer.

Tottenham face Birmingham City at St Andrews on Saturday afternoon hoping to keep their bid for a top four place on track. Spurs are currently in fifth place, one point behind Manchester City in fourth.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email