Olympique Marseille are chasing Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor.

The Journal says Taylor has recently switched agents, and is now represented by Joey Barton's agent Willie McKay - a man with high-level contacts in France.

And that change in management may explain why Marseille have been monitoring the central defender, who was called up for England earlier in the year.

Marseille's interest is genuine, and they will be given glowing references by Barton - who has enjoyed a successful first season in France and looks set to complete a permanent move from QPR this close season.