Steven Taylor heads north for signing talks with Rangers

Steven Taylor, the former Newcastle United defender who recently left St James’ Park after a 13-year stint, is expected in Glasgow this morning to hold signing talks with Rangers.

Taylor, 30, is a free agent following his release from Newcastle, who were 
relegated to the English Championship last month at the end of a miserable campaign in the top flight.

It has been reported that Celtic and a couple of clubs in Turkey are also interested in opening negotiations with the centre-half, but Rangers will have a head-start when they meet with him today.

The Ibrox side eased to the Ladbrokes Championship title last season and enjoyed a run to the final of the Scottish Cup but they looked weak at the back on several occasions.

It is understood Rangers manager Mark Warburton is keen to bring in the experienced Taylor, who made 29 appearances for England’s Under-21 side and is a former Newcastle team-mate of recent Rangers recruit Joey Barton.

In other signing news, Hearts are this week expected to confirm the capture of former Kilmarnock, Wigan and Derby County striker Conor Sammon on a three-year contract. The deal is likely to be finalised in the next few days, with Sammon currently on holiday.