D-day loom for Newcastle ace Jose Enrique

NEWCASTLE UNITED are hoping to get a decision from Jose Enrique later this week – with uncertainty over the Spaniard’s future holding up Alan Pardew’s transfer manoeuvres.

And the Chronicle understands that speculation linking the Magpies with Swansea City’s 22-year-old Neil Taylor is correct, with the Welsh international a genuine candidate to join United and challenge for the left-back slot.

United also remain in the hunt for Reading and Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long.

And it emerged today that Royals boss Brian McDermott – a close associate of Pardew – is resigned to losing his prolific 28-goal sharp-shooter this summer after the Berkshire side lost out to Swansea in the play-off final seven days ago.

Taylor – who can also operate as a left midfielder – played a major part in the Swans’ promotion chase last term.

But his season ended in controversial circumstances when he was red-carded after just 90 seconds of the Welsh club’s play-off semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

That wiped out his hopes of starring at the Wembley showpiece.

And, while Taylor would be sure to be part of Brendan Rogers’ top- flight plans, the former Man City schoolboy has a loophole in his contract which could see Newcastle land him for a bargain fee, thought to be around the £1m mark.

A move to Tyneside would cap some remarkable progress for Taylor, who only joined Swansea last summer from Blue Square Premier League outfit Wrexham, who would also land a 10% sell on fee.

Just 12 months ago he signed for the Liberty Stadium side and proved to be a rip-roaring success with the Swans, and he fits perfectly into United’s blueprint of signing young and hungry players.

Yet fans will still be devastated if Enrique leave St James’ Park