Sky Sports understands that mid-table Sky Bet Championship side Ipswich Town are in talks to sign free agent central defender Steven Taylor. The 30-year-old is without a club after leaving Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers and Mick McCarthy is looking to sign another defender.
Centre back is a particular area of interest for McCarthy after summer signing Adam Webster suffered a season ended injury in training in midweek. He was forced to sit out the midweek FA Cup Third Round replay against National League leaders Lincoln City, and there have also been rumours that Christophe Berra could return to Scotland.
Taylor is perhaps best known for his long association at Newcastle United. After coming through the youth ranks with the St James’ Park club, he went on to play over 200 times in the Magpies first team, making his debut back in 2004 in a UEFA Cup tie against Spanish side Mallorca. He was a big part of the Newcastle side which won the Championship title in 2010 under then manager Chris Hughton, who is currently in charge of Brighton & Hove Albion.
It has been another season of big frustration for the Tractor Boys, but McCarthy has recently stated his desire to add more new signings to his squad this month. Some fans have been calling for McCarthy to be sacked, whilst others are increasingly unhappy at the lack of supposed investment by owner Marcus Evans. Although Taylor is a free agent, his experience could be vital in transforming Ipswich’s campaign, at least until the end of the season. They sit ten points above the relegation zone and eleven off the play-off places.
