Newcastle want Aston Villa's Curtis Davies as replacement for Steven Taylor

Newcastle have set their sights on Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies as Chris Hughton starts planning for life without Steven Taylor. Taylor has been tipped to leave St James' Park in the summer following a difficult end to the season that saw him suffer a broken jaw in an alleged bust-up with team-mate Andy Carroll. Everton and Fulham have been linked with the centre-half. Talk of the Toon: Villa's DaviesFlying the nest: Magpie Taylor Magpies manager Hughton must offload players before he can strengthen his squad and central defender Davies is high on his shopping list. Hughton tried to sign 25-year-old Davies, who is surplus to requirements at Villa Park, on loan in January but talks broke down and the Toon chief moved for Fitz Hall from QPR. Villa boss Martin O'Neill paid West Brom £8million for Davies two summers ago but sources close to the club have claimed he will be allowed to leave for around £4m. Newcastle could expect somewhere in the same region for Taylor.  Carroll pledges future to Newcastle despite interest from StokeNORTHERN EXPOSURE: Newcastle don't have to spend big to stay in the Premier League - this squad looks good enough Out of Toon? Stoke and Bolton set to bid for Newcastle's Carroll and TaylorNewcastle boss Hughton told there is no cash to spend for top-flight returnRandy's rulebook! Lerner says Villa boss O'Neill is staying but must sellASTON VILLA FC

Source: Daily_Mail