Steven Taylor is ready to quit Newcastle United if he is axed for tonight's clash with Derby County.

The Sunday Sun says Taylor has already turned down one contract offer described by his dad, Alf, as "completely inadequate".

And both father and son are understood to be angry that United boss Sam Allardyce criticised Taylor Sr for speaking out on the issue.

But with Taylor being dropped at Derby a more likely prospect than Newcastle chairman Chris Mort meeting his £30,000-a-week wage demands, talks planned between the two parties for Wednesday look set to fail.

And that will alert Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea to the possibility of persuading the Magpies to part with Taylor in January.