Newcastle United are set to make a move for a centre-back in January, according to the Chronicle.
Alan Pardew has reportedly been given funds to spend in the upcoming transfer window, as the club look to stave off relegation fears, and the defence has been identified as an area which they need to improve.
Newcastle are thought to be on the hunt for a capable centre-back to partner Fabricio Coloccini in the heart of their defence.
It means that Steven Taylor's career at St. James' Park has been cast into doubt, with the 28-year-old unlikely to be offered a new deal.
Taylor has been a stalwart at the club, but Pardew is looking to have a freshen up and it could mean that the combative centre-back is allowed to go.
The English defender's contract expires next summer, meaning that he is likely to be available at a cut-price at the turn of the year and Newcastle may be prepared to cash-in.
There have been times when Taylor has looked a potential England international during his career, but his defending is fairly one-dimensional and Pardew clearly feels he can be upgraded.
The manager is looking to overhaul a defence which have looked porous during the opening course of the season.
Newcastle are still looking for their first win of the campaign and, as a result, they have been forced into action.
The club were relegated to the Championship in the 2008/09 season and they are desperate not to return there.
At the moment there seems a distinct lack of quality at both ends of the pitch, but Pardew is aiming to address that soon.
The hope will be that Newcastle will already have put some distance between them and the relegation zone before then, making the club a more attractive proposal for potential new players to join.
At the moment they sit in the bottom three, meaning fears of a struggle are emerging, but the international break should provide them with a chance to reflect on their poor start.
When they return they take on Leicester City at St. James' Park and everyone associated with Newcastle will be determined to pick up the three points.
Should a new defender be Newcastle's priority?
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