Steven Taylor is on his way back at Newcastle United.

The Journal says having worked tirelessly so far this summer on his stamina, Taylor is nearly back in contention for first-team football and should be ready for the first day of pre-season training on July 5.

He formed a superb partnership with Fabricio Coloccini in the first half of last season but desperately needs an injury-free campaign after a slew of serious injuries stalled his progress in recent years.