Ipswich Town have confirmed that any potential deal for former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor is now off the table.
Taylor joined the Tractor Boys from Portland Timbers in January this year, but an injury suffered early on in his spell at Portman Road limited the Englishman to just three appearances for Mick McCarthy’s side.
Former Sunderland boss McCarthy offered Taylor the chance to spend pre-season with the rest of his squad, which the 31-year-old duly accepted.
However, having featured in Ipswich’s pre-season encounters with Drogheda United and Southend United, the club have made it clear that any potential deal to sign the former England Under 21 international is now officially off.
McCarthy highlighted the fact that he has managed to secure Englishmen Jordan Spence and Dominic Iorfa during the summer window, which, combined with his existing options, the former Republic of Ireland international feels is sufficient defensive strength with which to embrace the forthcoming season.
Therefore, Taylor will be forced to seek a contract elsewhere, and McCarthy was full of praise for the former Newcastle man, stating that he will be an asset to any other club.
Having grown up in the North East, Taylor made 215 appearances for his boyhood club Newcastle United in a thirteen year spell at St James’ Park, netting thirteen times.
However, following an injury-plagued period, he moved across the Atlantic in 2016, making just nine appearances, before his swift return to English football with Ipswich.