Having called time on his Newcastle United career as Rafa Benitez completely reconstructed the club, it seems Steven Taylor could soon be set to return to these shores.
He joined Portland Timbers upon the Toon’s relegation, though has quickly called time on his MLS adventure and now seems to be close to joining Championship rivals, Ipswich Town. He will reportedly start training with the Tractor Boys soon and could be in line to face his boyhood charges when the two sides meet at Portman Road on April 17th.
Despite once being regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the country, the 30-year-old saw his form decline over the past few years and became more of a squad member towards the closing stages of the campaign, making way for the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Chancel Mbemba in central defence.
So, as you can imagine, these reports have led to some funny tweets from the Toon Army on social media.
Here’s what Twitter made of them.
@SkySports_Keith Finally revenge for Titus Bramble. #nufc #itfc
— Hamish Duff (@hamish_duff) January 20, 2017
@SkySports_Keith @gavmeakings feel for you team if yous get this plank mate
— andrew hedley (@hedley1989) January 20, 2017
@NUFCTheMag fools!!
— thereal andrew young (@temperamentalan) January 20, 2017
@shieldsgazette for our sakes I hope it's Brighton. #nufc
— Ray Flynn (@Rayflynn40) January 22, 2017
Stevie Taylor training with Ipswich in a bid to boost his banter.
— NUFCThreatLevel (@NUFCThreatLevel) January 22, 2017
@BlackWhiteBarmy he will get injured the week after..
— Chris Cossey (@Cosseycj) January 22, 2017
Steven Taylor is bad, but it'll be weird seeing him play against us.
— Jamie (@thejamieherd) January 22, 2017
Steven Taylor going to Ipswich as a free agent? Just shows the level that some Champ clubs are at. Was horrendous for us last season.
— Sean Elderbrant (@SeanElderbrant) January 22, 2017