WEST HAM have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor, according to the Independent.

The newspaper claims boss Gianfranco Zola hopes to lure the centre-back down south with a bid of around £4million, following the Toon's relegation from the Premier League last season.

Taylor was one of Newcastle's stronger performers during a disastrous campaign, providing plenty of grit and determination at the heart of the defence.