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 all the information they need by Barton – who has enjoyed a successful first season in France and knows Taylor from his Newcastle days.
His current contract runs until 2016 and he has aspirations of becoming a future United captain, as well as breaking into the England team with the Magpies.
But if his mate Fabricio Coloccini leaves (as expected) this summer, where will that put the Greenwich-born defender?
Steven Taylor: “Colo and I have had a great partnership over the past few seasons.
“We have a good understanding. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
“We seem to be able to mix it up. He’s very composed, and he’s not shy of a tackle as well.
“He’s been great a guy in training. You can learn a lot from him. I’ve got a fantastic partnership with him, and hopefully that will continue.”