Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew will seek to buy a new defender in January following Steven Taylor's season-ending Achilles injury.

The Evening Chronicle says Pardew will submit a list of possible defensive targets to owner Mike Ashley ahead of next month's transfer window.

The Magpies are already understood to have sealed a deal for Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga with the Mali international expected to sign in January, while a left-back was also on the agenda.

Also on United's shortlist is Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell, who the Magpies tried to snap up last August, and a fresh bid could be on the cards.